Concept, Workshops
Free work
In addition to his work as a (digital) photographer, Maarten Coolen deliberately chooses to make analog portraits of people who attract his attention. This has led to the series Portraits Dialogue, in which Coolen digitally ‘paints over’ the images, taking inspiration from the dialogue they initiate with him long after the actual portrait is made. Coolen: “With analog photography, there is always a bond with the person portrayed, and this bond continues long after the picture was taken. The result is visible only after development; there is space and a certain period of time that we need to bridge together.”
In the period of time following the actual making of the portraits, the images keep communicating with Coolen. “I really feel a creator of images. I have worked out the intuitive response that some portraits call forth in me by digitally painting over the analog black-and-white images. They are colored in and I add the elements.” The result is a series of portraits that show the fringes of society without ever being macabre.
The analog black-and-white portraits have turned into still lifes with a human surface. The series is imbued with a mutual interaction that at times reflects the artist’s black trait.
These pieces of art are for sale.
For more information: info@maartencoolen.nl
Free work
In this photo document, Maarten Coolen shows the creating human being building its own existence. These craftsmen and craftswomen are portrayed in the space in which their ideas are turned into products.
The place of action is Sectie-C, an area that in a few years’ time has changed into a playtime of the new craftsmanship. A breeding ground filled with flying sparks, dollops of plaster, printers and paint fumes. Delicate fingers over moist clay, clumsy knots around bent steel.
If you’re interested in this wonderful photo document, please send an email with address data and the number of books you want to: info@maartencoolen.nl
Once your payment has been received, you will very soon be able to hold this piece of craftsmanship in your hands.
‘Het Menselijk Bedrijf volgens Maarten Coolen’ / ‘The Human Company according to Maarten Coolen’
ISBN 978-94-91799-01-3
2013
Free work
Strolling the streets of life, each corner reveiling something unexpected. Vulnerable, shocking, indescribably beautiful. Volatile moments recorded by an impulsive movement of the finger. Forever caught in a tangible memory. An intuitive journey without borders between thinking and acting. Pure obsession.
Instagram: #pictorama_art
Portrait
A nice assignment and a satisfied customer. Robert Ariëns of ADvieSZ: “For our website I was looking for a portrait photographer who took a step further. That’s how I ended up at Maarten. He goes in search of the story, the essence of what we do and translates that into image. He does not make ordinary photographs. And that is exactly what I want: more than a beautiful photo.
During a brainstorm Maarten explained his ideas alongside mine. This was followed by three sessions: one in the studio and two on location. Very nice, but also getting used to, because for me it is not ‘just’ to take a picture. I particularly liked the photography on location. I visited the beautiful industrial workplace of Niek van der Heijden. During our conversation Maarten made the photos. It was very natural and you see that.” Curious about all the photos I made for Robert?
Look at www.adviesz.nu
Reportage
Product photography
Sofie Boonman is a product- and graphic designer. She worked on a new concept last year. Her special product ‘Voelvormen’ help to nurture memories. Sofie: “I asked Maarten for product photos. When I told my story, we came up with ideas and created an overall concept for photography. In addition to beautiful, clean product photos, Maarten also created atmospheric images that fit in perfectly with the story I want to tell. How nice that all that can be done with Maarten.”
Product photography
Heirloominescence, creating future for your past is a project by creative maker Ben Hohmann. “People often save things for the story. But because the object itself no longer has any value, it gradually disappears into waste. With this project I keep the story and I make a connection to a new object: a cupboard, display case or inspiration place. This way the story is preserved, but in a way that is functional and useful in today’s life. Maarten understands my thought at Heirloominescence. He feels flawlessly why I want to delve into the connection between the future and the past. Every Heirloominescence object comes before Maarten’s camera.”
http://www.benhohmann.nl