Each day, we're bombarded with visuals from television, newspapers, magazines, social media and messaging apps. It can be challenging to distinguish between what is authentic and what has been altered. What images are we shown, and who controls what and how we see them? This autumn, the Zuiderzee Museum will unveil a treasure trove of unseen photographs and invites you to explore how your personal experiences help determine your perceptions and the significance you attach to them. It’s a timeless question that continues to be relevant today.
The Beyond the Photograph exhibition takes you on a photographic journey around the former Zuiderzee. Life on and around the Zuiderzee has been a popular subject since the dawn of photography. From traditional costumes to life in the streets, and from lively village celebrations to the fishing boats in the harbours, every moment was captured through the lens. Beyond the Photograph offers a glimpse into the Zuiderzee Museum’s vast collection of thousands of photos. And there’s more…
Interpreting photographs and their context: how do you read them?
Every photo captures a story, yet each viewer may read a different tale. Your perception is coloured by your own memories, knowledge and experiences. While the photographer's intent is also important, they are not the one who determines what you ultimately see and what meaning you attach to the image. Every visual holds a purpose and perspective, for both the artist behind the camera and the beholder gazing at the scene.
For Humberto Tan, Elke Wiss and Victor Mids, the idea that our perceptions are shaped by our past learning, experiences and memories is not only theory but part of their daily work. Each of them approaches the art of image creation in their own way. You’ll find yourself gazing at the same scene anew through their eyes. Do you see what they see?
Well-known photographers
The Zuiderzee continues to inspire many photographers even today. Prominent figures like Henri Berssenbrugge, Ed van der Elsken, Hendrik Kerstens, Henk van der Leeden, Jimmy Nelson, Roger Parry and many other photographers and documentary makers were inspired by the Zuiderzee inhabitants and their rich traditions. They captured major Zuiderzee themes including residents in traditional attire, botters docked in the harbour, the annual Volendam village fair and many characteristic but dilapidated buildings and village landmarks that eventually have had to make way for urban renewal.
An inclusive experience
Beyond the Photograph is designed to allow you to discover images with more than just your eyes. Relief photographs, textured items and audio descriptions bring images to life through touch and sound. High contrast visuals in the design and unique guided tours ensure that everyone, including those with visual impairments, can fully enjoy the Beyond the Photograph journey of discovery.
Embrace the unexpected
Step into a captivating exhibition. Featuring life-size photographs and an innovative layout, this experience is truly one-of-a-kind, beckoning you to capture it to create a lasting memory.
Headerphotograph: Visser Laaksum, Joop de Vries, 2011, photographer Marco Bakker