On Portraits

A photographic portrait is a picture of someone who knows he’s being photographed, and what he does with this knowledge is as much a part of the photograph as what he’s wearing or how he looks. He’s implicated in what’s happened, and he has a certain real power over the result.

Richard Avedon

Herman Diederik Tjeenk Willink

All my photographs are portraits - self-portraits, because you can’t photograph someone without reflecting/echoing, like a bat sending out a signal that comes back to you. You get not only a picture of who you’re photographing, but you get a picture of yourself at the same time.

Bruce Davidson

Interviewer: ‘Do you think it's possible for the camera to lie?’
Walker Evans: ‘It certainly is. It almost always does.’

James Coleman
(May 18, 1941 – April 25, 2023) was an Irish artist known for his conceptual video and installation art. His works often explore the interplay between time, memory, and perception, creating immersive experiences that challenge viewers' understanding of reality. Coleman's art was influential in pushing boundaries of the medium and engaging with complex philosophical ideas.

Herman Hertzberger
(b. July 6, 1932 – passed away April 18, 2023) focused on social interaction, flexibility, and human scale in his architecture. His designs create adaptable spaces that foster community, emphasizing context-sensitive environments that enhance how people live together.

Rem Koolhaas
(b. November 17, 1944) is known for his innovative and often unconventional approach to architecture. His designs challenge traditional forms and explore complex urban contexts, blending functionality with bold aesthetics. Koolhaas emphasizes the dynamic relationship between architecture, society, and the rapid evolution of cities.

Herman Diederik Tjeenk Willink
(b. 23 January 1942) is a former Labour Party politician and jurist. He holds the honorary title of Minister of State and served as President of the Senate and
Vice-President of the Council of State, advising Queen Beatrix.