Bastiaan Woudt, born in the Netherlands in 1987, is a self-taught photographer who has quickly carved out a remarkable niche for himself in the art world. His approach, both humble and passionate, has not only earned him recognition, but also secured him a distinctive position in the field of photography. Ranging from intimate portraits to enchanting landscapes, Woudt's work is characterised by a minimalist style and a deep artistic sensibility.
His influence in the art world is tangible; his photography has been exhibited at leading fairs such as Paris Photo, AIPAD New York and Photo London. In 2022, he celebrated a significant milestone with his first solo museum exhibition, Twist, at Museum Kranenburgh in Bergen. His collaborations with prestigious publications such as Harper's Bazaar, British Vogue, Numéro NL, L'Officiel and New York Magazine, as well as his commercial work for Chanel, underline his artistic skills and desirability.
Woudt is represented by prestigious galleries such as Bildhalle (Zurich and Amsterdam), Atlas Gallery (London), Jackson Fine Art (Atlanta) and Fahey/Klein Gallery (Los Angeles), further confirming his international presence and esteem in the art world.
1605 Collective
Besides his oeuvre within the realm of art photography, Woudt has a distinct entrepreneurial side. His love for photography books and elevated aesthetics inspired him to start his own business in 2021. 1605 Collective is a platform for emerging and established artists and a publishing house for his own photography books as well as those of other artists. By offering additional products such as book stands, Woudt continues to explore the many possibilities of his business edge.
In June 2023 1605 Collective launched 1605 Magazine, an annual thematic magazine that highlights the individuals who shape our world by offering compelling articles and visually arresting imagery. In addition to interviews, insights, curated edits, and objects, the magazine also includes portfolios of the 1605 Collective featured artists.
Photography For Good
Woudt's commitment to philanthropy is a crucial facet of his artistic journey. Within his project "Mukono," Woudt turned his lens to the Ugandan countryside to support the drinking water projects by the Marie-Stella-Maris Foundation, capturing a wide range of monochromatic portraits and surreal impressions of the local landscapes. At the Amsterdam Diner in 2023 - The Netherlands’ most prestigious charity dinner - his work, including the iconic "Ziba," raised a record amount of €22,000 to combat HIV and AIDS among women and girls globally. In collaboration with Orange Babies, Woudt captured powerful black and white portraits of young heroes from Zambia to honor the foundation's 25th anniversary. Displayed and sold during a one-night-only exhibition on World AIDS Day 2023, his photographs raised over €120,000 to help Orange Babies battle the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS and spread a message of hope. These initiatives showcase Woudt's dedication to using creativity as a force for good.
Psychedelics In Art
As more individuals, particularly creative professionals, experiment with e.g. microdosing, Woudt observes a rising fascination with psychedelics within the art world as a source of inspiration and creativity. These developments suggest a global change in the creative process of artists.
Embarking on deliberate psychedelic "journeys'' himself, Woudt delves into the depths of his creativity. He translates these transformative experiences into discoveries that unlock new perspectives and emotional landscapes for his audience. "Echo from Beyond” is an invitation into his personal creative sketchbook. An ongoing evolution in which he pushes the boundaries of photography and art through mixed media supported by AI. By merging his photographic archive with the capabilities of AI, "Echo from Beyond" explores previously unimaginable imagery fuelled by Woudt's thoughts, psychedelic experiences and the media he consumes.