Bastiaan Woudt

Over a time span of more than thirteen years, photographer Bastiaan Woudt (1987) has carved out a multifaceted career and an unmistakable aesthetic signature. Woudt is celebrated for his evocative use of monochromatic tones, silhouettes and shadow play that seep into ethereal visuals. Whether intimate portraits or long-stretching landscapes, he maintains a minimalist approach throughout. As an autodidact maker, he continues to leave an impressive and indelible mark within the industry.

Woudt’s influence in the art world is palpable; his works have been exhibited at leading fairs such as Paris Photo, AIPAD and Photo London. He is represented by galleries such as Bildhalle (Zurich and Amsterdam), Atlas Gallery (London), Jackson Fine Art (Atlanta) and Fahey/Klein Gallery (Los Angeles). Marking a full-circle moment, he presented his first solo museum exhibition, Twist (2022), at Museum Kranenburgh in Bergen, his birthplace. Two years later, he followed up with a second one, Essence (2024), at the prestigious New York auction house Phillips. His commissions by acclaimed titles like Harper's Bazaar, British Vogue, Numéro France, L'Officiel and New York Magazine, coupled with his commercial projects for Chanel, further underline his artistic flair and desirability.

Business edge and creative purpose
Spurred by an entrepreneurial side, Woudt founded 1605 Collective: a platform and imprint showcasing like-minded artists—both established and emerging—through books, an annual magazine and an online space. By way of portfolio highlights, curated edits and insights, he shares his ever-expanding universe while nurturing talent. His ongoing commitment to philanthropy shines through various charitable efforts. Woudt’s project "Mukono" (2017) showcased tonal portraits and abstracted views of Uganda's countryside in support of Marie-Stella-Maris Foundation's water initiatives. Throughout 2023, Woudt channeled his artistic talent into fundraising for HIV and AIDS, raising €22,000 from his work, including his iconic "Ziba" piece, at the prestigious Amsterdam Dinner. He further amplified his contributions by partnering with Orange Babies for their 25th anniversary, creating striking portraits of Zambian youths. These were sold at a World AIDS Day exhibition, accruing over €120,000 in one night—combating stigma and encouraging hope.

Artist development: new dimensions
Self-discovery is a crucial facet of Woudt’s practice. In a quest to broaden his creative horizon, he explores the potential of new frontiers, expanding the scope of his artistic expression. Woudt’s ongoing mixed-media project “Echo From Beyond” merges his photographic archive with artificial intelligence and psychedelics. Tiptoeing the intersection of art and tech, Woudt questions our shifting perceptions; a new chapter in his continuous artistic evolution.