Directory Image
This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Discovering the Unseen Photo Fair in Amsterdam

Author: Lisa Jeeves
by Lisa Jeeves
Posted: Oct 16, 2014

Amsterdam hostels are always buzzing with adventurous travellers visiting to explore the vibrant cultural heritage of a city that appeals across the generations. No lover of art and culture should pass up the opportunity to spend some quality time in the capital of The Netherlands.

The Unseen Photo Fair

While there is an annual calendar filled to the brim with cultural events in the city, the Unseen Photo Fair is one of the most innovative and exciting. The fair highlights new and often bizarre methods of harnessing photography for art; it is designed to provoke and inspire, despite us being inundated with photos in virtually every part of our daily lives.

Below are some of the artists who have produced some of the most striking exhibits in the history of the fair, which will appeal to the diverse, art and culture loving guests of Amsterdam hostels.

Zhe Chen

Many of those staying in Amsterdam hostels are young backpackers, facing their own personal pains as well as the pains of an evolving generation. Zhe Chen’s photos touch on this theme by sharing the artist's own experiences with self-harm. At first, her photographs seem to glorify self-harm, thanks to the hauntingly beautiful images on show; a closer study of the imagery, however, reveals the painful struggle of one suffering through despair. Connect it with the fact that Chen’s birth country routinely – sometimes violently – keeps a lid on subversive art, and her pain becomes even easier to understand. Gábor Gerhes

Gerhes’ works are a stark reminder of the pervasive universality of hatred, domination and enslavement in human society. Imposing black-and-white photographs highlight the various representations of dominance through power - from naked slaves paraded as products for sale to faceless ‘suits’ staring you down with empty faces. This makes the photos in this particular exhibit frightening in a unique way - reminding us of the many ways that oppression manifests itself in our world.

Santeri Tuori

Nature has been a favourite artistic subject since time immemorial, especially when one considers the innumerable emotions that can be associated with the various scenes of nature. Tuori captures that essence through his photographs – particularly those offering mesmerising images of clouds. The play of light and darkness in these cloud photos stirs up a sense of hope - of being able to find light in even the darkest corners of our lives. This message has proved a very popular one with visitors to the event.

Matthew Murray

Murray’s deceptively simple pictures of male strippers might appear more suited to fashion covers than an art gallery. Look closer, though, and the images soon take on a life of their own, as awkwardness and seductiveness clash. Moral preferences may colour the viewer's opinion of the images, but there is no denying the powerful appeal of the pieces put up by Murray.

The Unseen Photo Fair is rapidly becoming one of the most popular events in the Dutch capital. The striking and innovative images produced by photographers from around the world appeal to the sensibilities of the independent and adventurous traveller. If you're staying in any of the Amsterdam hostels at the time the event is scheduled, this is one not to be missed.

Looking for your dream travel experience? Jason H. Cunningham works for Hostelling International, a company with more than 4,000 hostels worldwide in fantastic locations. For the best Amsterdam hostels, or anywhere else, join our global community and say hi to the world. From quality, affordable accommodation and backpacker tips, to meaningful volunteer opportunities and enriching our eco footprint, we are the world’s local hostelling hub.

About the Author

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.

Rate this Article
Leave a Comment
Author Thumbnail
I Agree:
Comment 
Pictures
Author: Lisa Jeeves

Lisa Jeeves

Member since: Oct 18, 2013
Published articles: 4550

Related Articles