Media: Volkskrant
Publication date: Tuesday, July 1
About: After a cardiac arrest, which caused him to float between life and death, journalist Fokke Obbema goes in search of answers to that ancient question in the series Zin van het leven: what is the meaning of our life? In this episode Fokke interviews soprano Christianne Stotijn. 
Interview: Fokke Obbema
Photography of this series: Jitske Schols

MORE TO SEE

⬤ Read the article online (in Dutch) 》

Media: Daily newspaper Het Parool
Publication date: Saturday, June 15
About: My series Songs for soprano about the life and times of Anna Witsen at FotoFestival Naarden
Photography of this series: Jitske Schols

TICKETS

⬤ Fotofestival Naarden 》

My precious ‘Sora in Black’ is watching over the exhibition floor of photo basel these days. You will find her at booth 23 of the ever so wonderful Galerie Caroline O’Breen. Het sizes measure 120 by 80 cm and she is available in limited editions. She won the Dutch National Portrait Prize for being the most beautiful. Go and see my intriguing ‘Sora in Black’ by yourselves!

WHAT.

photo basel is Switzerland’s first and only international art fair dedicated to photography based art.

WHEN.

June 11-16, 2019
Tue-Sun from 12h – 20h
During Art Basel week 2019.
reserve your tickets here

WHERE.

Volkshaus Basel, located on Rebgasse 12-14 that is less than 700 meters away from Art Basel fairground. Caroline O’Breen can be found in booth 23.

WHY.

photography has established itself within museums and the art market within the last decade. During Art Basel week, we want to enhance and nourish the creative trade of all the major art players within and around photography.

Media: Volkskrant
Publication date: Tuesday, June 11
About: After a cardiac arrest, which caused him to float between life and death, journalist Fokke Obbema goes in search of answers to that ancient question in the series Zin van het leven: what is the meaning of our life? In this episode Fokke interviews IT specialist and Hindu priest Ashis Mathura.
Interview: Fokke Obbema
Photography of this series: Jitske Schols

MORE TO SEE

⬤ Read the article online (in Dutch) 》

Media: Volkskrant
Publication date: Monday, May 27
About: After a cardiac arrest, which caused him to float between life and death, journalist Fokke Obbema goes in search of answers to that ancient question in the series Zin van het leven: what is the meaning of our life? In this episode Fokke Obbema interviews doctor and writer Ivan Wolffers who is fascinated by the theme of survival. How is it possible that people can survive in almost all circumstances?, Fokke Obbema wants to know from him.
Interview: Fokke Obbema
Photography of this series: Jitske Schols

MORE TO SEE

⬤ Read the article online (in Dutch) 》

Three more days to go… this Saturday FotoFestival Naarden kicks off! Very very exciting, with so much to see and experience. My own series of course, but also the interesting work of so many other inspiring photographers.

The 16th edition of FotoFestival Naarden will take place from Saturday, May 25th to Sunday, June 30th, 2019 and is themed ‘Dutch Masters & Marvelous Misfits’. It tells the stories of people and their landscapes, the latter in the sense of sceneries and thoughts. It tells the tales of our best and worst moments, from self-loathing to self-love, from rebellion to naivety, and the marvelous in-between. Curators are photographer Koos Breukel and photo historian and author Hedy van Erp.

It is for the first time that during FotoFestival Naarden 2019 paintings will be shown. Within the theme ‘Dutch Masters & Marvelous Misfits’ unique 17th century paintings and drawings of Dutch Masters will be exhibited, just as a number of works by Van Gogh. These works can be seen amidst photos made by Koos Breukel, Stephan Vanfleteren, Robin de Puy and Ernst Coppejans in the Grote Kerk, Naarden.

Please check the programm for more information on all planned activities. Like the meet & greet with me on June 8th! Will we see each other?

BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE!

You can buy your tickets online, so you don’t have to queue at the ticket office. The regular price is € 19.50 pp, with several reduced fares. Please check the tickets page for more information.

N.B.: there is a maximum for online tickets sold for Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays due to the expected number of visitors.

MORE ABOUT MY SERIES

⬤ My participation on Fotofestival Naarden 2019 》

Title: Piccolo III
Technique: toyobo etching plate
Finish: frame, museum glass
Edition: 6/10 + 2 AP
Size: etching plate A5, framework +/- 14,8 x 21 cm
Prize: €625,= incl. BTW
Maker: Jitske Schols (etching by Eric Levert)
Available at: Galerie Caroline O’Breen (or contact me and I will get you in contact with Caroline)

MORE DETAILS

⬤ Piccolo III product page 》

Media: Volkskrant
Publication date: Monday, May 20
About: After a cardiac arrest, which caused him to float between life and death, journalist Fokke Obbema goes in search of answers to that ancient question in the series Zin van het leven: what is the meaning of our life? In this episode Fokke Obbema interviews talent coach and author Etchica Voorn. The blood of two cultures flows through her veins. Double blood, she calls it. It enriches her life, she tells Fokke Obbema, but that did not happen automatically.
Interview: Fokke Obbema
Photography of this series: Jitske Schols

MORE TO SEE

⬤ Read the article online (in Dutch) 》

Media: Het Parool
Publication date: Saturday, May 18
About: Barely a year after councillor Sharon Dijksma (PvdA) started working in Amsterdam, she leaves her mark on the city apparently effortlessly. “Dijksma is a silent bulldozer.”
Text: Ruben Koops
Photography: Jitske Schols

MORE TO SEE

⬤ Read the article online (in Dutch) 》

Media: Volkskrant
Publication date: Monday, May 13
About: After a cardiac arrest, which caused him to float between life and death, journalist Fokke Obbema goes in search of answers to that ancient question in the series Zin van het leven: what is the meaning of our existence? In this episode Fokke Obbema interviews friar Bernardus, abbot of monastry Koningshoeven (Berkel-Enschot): “You can not proof God. He just is or is not.”
Interview: Fokke Obbema
Photography of this series: Jitske Schols

MORE TO SEE

⬤ Read the article online (in Dutch) 》

Title: Ayla gazing
Technique: toyobo etching, chine collé
Finish: nutwood frame, museum glass
Editions: edition 5 + 2 AP per size (2 sizes)
Size: etch A5, framework 40 x 33 cm and etch A4, framework 57 x 47 cm
Maker: Jitske Schols (etching by Eric Levert)
Available at: Galerie Caroline O’Breen (or contact me and I will get you in contact with Caroline)

MORE DETAILS

⬤ Ayla gazing product page 》

Media: Villamedia
Publication date: May 2019
About: Henk Blanken in Villamedia, magazine about journalism: “You do not just become correspondent ‘death and deterioration’”
Photography: Jitske Schols

MORE TO SEE

⬤ Visit Villamedia 》

A new newsletter with current projects, events and exhibitions. Wanna subscribe and receive your own copy of my newsletter in your mailbox next time?

READ MY NEWEST NEWSLETTER

⬤ Newsletter spring edition 》

“I can not sing when I am not feeling happy, that is very different when painting or perhaps exactly the same.”

In Songs for soprano, a photo essay on the life and times of Anna Witsen, Jitske Schols makes an imaginary journey back to the 19th century and visits the estate of Ewijckshoeve in Lage Vuursche where Schols grew up. She enjoyed a happy and peaceful youth surrounded by nature, not being aware that this place formed the backdrop for a tragedy a century earlier.

In search for Anna Witsen, sister of painter, etcher, photographer Willem Witsen ‘Songs for soprano’ is a narrative about an aristocratic young woman with singing ambitions, depressions and an unrequited love at the end of the nineteenth century. Who was Anna? What was her role and how can that be seen in the time in which she lived? Remembering Anna and giving her the stage she longed for during her life, although posthumously.

FotoFestival Naarden
‘Dutch Masters & Marvelous Misfits’
25.05.19 – 30.06.19
Bastion H

INFO & ONLINE TICKETS

⬤ Website Fotofestival Naarden 》

For all the strong women in my life and beyond. For my mother who raised us, worked fulltime and often stood alone. For my grandmother who taught me to be lighthearted and cheerful despite a hard working life. For my great-grandmother who was awarded for her help given in WOII, actually for all unidentified, unseen and unlisted great women in history that paved our ways in a male dominated world. And for my daughter to get inspired by these heroic women.

VIEW THE SERIES

⬤ Series Hidden Figures 》

Media: Het Parool.
Publication date: Tuesday March 23, 2019
About: Interview with Sylvana Simons after one year to be councilor in the municipality Amsterdam: ‘Our input is revolutionary’
Text: Michiel Couzy and Ruben Koops 
Photography: Jitske Schols

MORE TO SEE

⬤ Read Het Parool 》

Media: Het Parool.
Publication date: Tuesday March 8, 2019
About: Otto Nan, co-founder of the Lloyd Hotel in Amsterdam, sets up a cooking school with hotel in Uruguay, together with Argentinian chef Francis Mallmann.
Text: Sara Luijters 
Photography: Jitske Schols

MORE TO SEE

⬤ Read the article online 》

Fokke Obbema has been nominated for ‘De Tegel’ award in the category ‘interview’ with his interview series about the meaning of life. De Tegel is a recognition and tribute to journalists who have contributed to maintaining and improving the quality of Dutch-language journalistic news, reporting, background, research, interview and camera productions. I am very proud to work together with him on this beautiful series on Mondays in De Volkskrant.

Media play an increasingly important role in society. That is why the quality and social significance of media in general and journalism in particular deserve special attention. For that reason, since 2007, a journalistic prize with a national character has been awarded annually: De Tegel. Fingers crossed for Fokke to win this years edition. Just a little patience is what we need right now: the winners will be announced during the award show on April 23rd!

MORE TO SEE

⬤ De Tegel Awards 》
⬤ Volkskrant | Zin van het Leven (in Dutch) 》

In their first book De Kunstmeisjes will share their art stories. You still need a little patience, because the book will be launched in August by publisher Meulenhoff and will be for sale in a bookstore near you. I had the honor to shoot the cover portraits of these interesting young ladies.
⁣⁣

The 16th edition of FotoFestival Naarden will take place from Saturday, May 25th to Sunday, June 30th, 2019 and I will be participating! A dream come true. My mother used to live in Naarden and we would always visit the exhibition, long before I became a photographer myself. Curators this year are photographer Koos Breukel and photo historian and author Hedy van Erp.

This years edition’s theme is ‘Dutch Masters & Marvelous Misfits’ and it has been made with the intention to praise and include the misfit. The misfits presented at the FotoFestival are greater masters than they are given credit for – they are marvelous misfits. Anna Witsen perfectly fits this description. I am very pleased to showcase my series of this intriguing lady here at this highly regarded festival.

MORE TO SEE

⬤ Read the artist statement 》

Media: Het Parool.
Publication date: Tuesday March 5, 2019
About: New novel ‘Otmars zonen’ by Dutch author Peter Buwalda
Text: Maarten Moll
Photography: Jitske Schols

MORE TO SEE

⬤ Read the article online 》

Media: Volkskrant
Publication date: Saturday, January 26
About: The Rwandan-American writer Clemantine Wamariya escaped the genocide in her homeland and now fights against hatred and division. Last year she wrote the baffling book ‘The Girl Who Smiled Beads’ about her life – now translated into Dutch as ‘Het meisje dat kralen kon lachen’.
Photography: Jitske Schols

MORE TO SEE

⬤ Read the article online 》

Media: Volkskrant
Publication date: Monday, January 14
About: After a cardiac arrest, which caused him to float between life and death, journalist Fokke Obbema goes in search of answers to that ancient question in the series Zin van het leven: what is the meaning of our existence? In this episode Fokke Obbema interviews writer and former journalist Henk Blanken. He has Parkinson. About ‘the beauty of decay’ he writes stories that are praised internationally. The answer to the meaning of his life is to others, he says to Fokke Obbema.
Photography of this series: Jitske Schols

MORE TO SEE

⬤ Read all the articles online 》

It was 1889 when Herman Gorter wrote his magnificent poem ‘In den zwarten nacht is een mensch aangetreden’. It was written in response of the death of the young lady Anna Witsen. The general public was not aware of that fact, but her brother Willem Witsen knew it though, for Gorter donated him the handwritten poem clearly indicating the reason.

Exactly 100 years later this story came to me for the first time. Rein van der Wiel’s book ‘Ewijkshoeve, tuin van tachtig’ was launched and I read it cover to cover. I realized that the family estate where I grew up formed the backdrop for this tragic scene.

In the 1880s Ewijckshoeve was the country residence of the patron family Witsen and thanks to the generosity of painter Willem Witsen, became a gathering place for writers, musicians and painters. It was considered a breeding ground for young, talented artists. Works of art originated here, can now be found in leading museums like the Rijksmuseum or the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam. The formative days of experimenting with the medium of photography was explored in this place.

I got intrigued by this Anna. Who was she? What drove her? What was her role and how can that be seen in the time in which she lived? In this series ‘Songs for soprano’ my own memories and fantasies merge with the things I learned about Anna to create a portrait of her. I somehow feel connected to this woman who lived at the same spot on earth, a century distance away. Only how different was her life from mine?

It seems Anna had a melancholy character. She suffered from unrequited love and as a woman she believed she had failed by staying single. As a singer, she received little recognition. She felt as though her mere presence disturbed her own brother, she was burdened with fierce fears and life senselessly tormented her. She must have felt that nobody really saw her for who she was. Anna chose to extract herself from this lonely reality on March 5, 1889.

For this series I used various techniques inspired on Witsen’s work combined with techniques of today, like slow shutter speeds on digital cameras or contemporary etching techniques. The title ‘Songs for soprano’ refers to the soprano singer Anna always wanted to be.

MORE TO SEE

⬤ To the series ‘Songs for soprano’ 》
⬤ Galerie Caroline O’Breen 》

For tablet readers Volkskrant publishes special tablet editions these Christmas days, with stories you might have missed before and a few new extras. You’ll need to download the tablet app for it, but then you will be rewarded.

Today, on Boxing Day, the tablet edition is filled with reflections that fits the end of the year: a collection of all stories of Fokke Obbema’s popular interview series about the meaning of life. Supplemented with a selection of readers’ reactions, an interview with the photographer of the project, Jitske Schols, and an interim review of Fokke himself after three months interviewing: ‘I can advise everyone to speak for two hours about the meaning of life.’

(All in Dutch)

MORE TO SEE

⬤ Download the Volkskrant tablet app 》
⬤ Read Philippe Remarque column 》

Media: Volkskrant
Publication date: Monday, December 24
About: After a cardiac arrest, which caused him to float between life and death, journalist Fokke Obbema goes in search of answers to that ancient question in the series Zin van het leven: what is the meaning of our existence? In this episode Fokke Obbema interviews Gerard Bodifee, astrophysicist and philosopher, and he tells him that the ethical awareness of people grows’
Photography of this series: Jitske Schols

MORE TO SEE

⬤ Read all the articles online 》

As of tomorrow I will takeover the instagram account of @hautephotographie, so make sure to follow me there! Also I will be attending their nice boutique photography fair in February, represented by @galeriecarolineobreen. Will I see you there as well?

Proud to make all portraits for Fokke Obbema’s series about the meaning of our existence every Monday in De Volkskrant and tonight on tv at De Wereld Draait Door – See them floating on the background 🖤

Media: Volkskrant
Publication date: Monday, December 3
About: After a cardiac arrest, which caused him to float between life and death, journalist Fokke Obbema goes in search of answers to that ancient question in the series Zin van het leven: what is the meaning of our existence? In this episode Fokke Obbema interviews Funda Müjde, actress, and she tells him that being grateful is her best medicine against depression’
Photography of this series: Jitske Schols

MORE TO SEE

⬤ Read all the articles online 》

Lykele Muus (1987) is a Dutch actor and writer. In 2011, Muus graduated from the Amsterdam Theater School and Kleinkunstacademie. He has participated in several films and series and is mainly known for his role in the sf-series Mission Earth. Muus is not only active as a writer of fiction, he has also co-written several theater performances, cabaret programs and several series.

Media: Volkskrant
Publication date: Monday, November 19
About: After a cardiac arrest, which caused him to float between life and death, journalist Fokke Obbema goes in search of answers to that ancient question in the series Zin van het leven: what is the meaning of our existence? In this episode Fokke Obbema interviews Edy Korthals Altes, former ambassador, who still wants to change the world at the age of 94. He advocates a different way of life. One that is richer in content. But how do you achieve something like that?
Photography of this series: Jitske Schols

MORE TO SEE

⬤ Read all the articles online 》

EYE for all organizes its annual photo auction for charity. This year the gainings will go to War Child and in particular to the Safe Spaces project. In a Safe Space children from war zones can play and receive education; it is literally a safe place where they can be child again.

Please note 16 November in your diary if you want to bid on a special collection of photos of famous photographers. The photo auction takes place on Catawiki. Participating photographers include Micky Hoogendijk, Kadir van Lohuizen, Brooks Kraft, Corbino, Eddy van Wessel, Marco Borsato, many others et moi. I donated my award winning photo of ‘Sora in Black’. Bid, buy and support War Child, what more could you want?

EYE for all is an initiative of Annet de Graaf in collaboration with Catawiki.

MORE TO SEE

⬤ All the photo’s in this auction 》

⬤ My photo of Sora in Black in this auction 》

⬤ Follow the Facebook page of Eye for all auction 》

Media: Volkskrant
Publication date: Monday, November 12
About: After a cardiac arrest, which caused him to float between life and death, journalist Fokke Obbema goes in search of answers to that ancient question in the series Zin van het leven: what is the meaning of our existence? In this episode Fokke Obbema interviews Jolande Withuis, sociologist. “Life does not make any sense. That gives endless opportunities.”
Photography of this series: Jitske Schols

MORE TO SEE

⬤ Read all the articles online 》

Media: Het Parool
Publication date: November 1, 2018
About: The return of Wim Kieft 
Interview by: Ronald Ockhuysen
Photography: Jitske Schols

MORE TO SEE

⬤ Read the article online 》

Often people ask me about the background of my photography, the style of my images and the deeper meaning of it all. Why is it the way it is?

Well, I will lift a corner of the veil for you. I would say my work is strongly influenced by impressionism, naturalism and the Dutch Tachtigers movement. This last group was a gathering of young artists who proclaimed the principle of l’art pour l’art, so art for art’s sake. The group influenced Dutch artistic and political life during the 1890s. More specifically my work is inspired by the work of painter/etcher/photographer Willem Witsen and his circle of friends, including painters George Hendrik Breitner, Isaac Israëls, and Jan Veth and writers Lodewijk van Deyssel, Albert Verwey, Willem Kloos, and Herman Gorter. How comes? And what bridges us while being over a hundred years apart?

⬤ Please read my Artist Statement  》

Media: ‘boon’ (now available in your local Albert Heijn store)
Publication date: October, 2018
About: For in store magazine ‘boon’ of Albert Heijn I portrayed Roy Nanhekhan, founder of the heritage centre of Douwe Egberts
Creative director: Ico van Rheenen
Art director: Patrick Keeler
Photography of this series: Jitske Schols

Media: Volkskrant
Publication date: Monday, October 1
About: After a cardiac arrest, which caused him to float between life and death, journalist Fokke Obbema goes in search of answers to that ancient question in the series Zin van het leven: what is the meaning of our existence? In this episode Fokke Obbema interviews Sanneke de Haan, philosopher. But she can not answer his question. “The question is not right, it is misleading.” But how can life then be interpreted, Fokke Obbema wants to know from her.
Photography of this series: Jitske Schols

MORE TO SEE

⬤ Read all the article online 》

Media: Volkskrant
Publication date: Monday September 24
About: After a cardiac arrest, which caused him to float between life and death, journalist Fokke Obbema goes in search of answers to that ancient question in the series Zin van het leven: what are we on earth? In this first episode Fokke Obbema interview Jan Geurtz, expert in Tibetan Buddhism. “Where is the ‘me’? In the body? In the mind? Is it an emotion?”
Photography of this series: Jitske Schols

MORE TO SEE

⬤ Read the article online 》

Media: Volkskrant | Zaterdag
Publication date: Saturday September 22nd, 2018
About: Journalist Fokke Obbema who last year suddenly died for a moment and who is looking for the meaning of life now
Photography of this series: Jitske Schols

MORE TO SEE

⬤ Read the article online 》

Media: Zin magazine
Publication date: September, 2018
About: Nelleke Noordervliet wrote the essay ‘Door met de strijd’ which will be available in your local (Dutch) bookstore by October. Noordervliet was asked to write the essay for the annual ‘Month of History’ which is the largest history event in the Netherlands, themed ‘Rebellion’ this year.
Photography: Jitske Schols

MORE TO SEE

⬤ Website Maand van de Geschiedenis (Dutch only) 》

Yesterday, on 8 September 2018, Het Scheepvaartmuseum (The National Maritime Museum) opened the doors to its new exhibition MS Oranje | Changing course, putting the spotlight on the passenger ship Oranje. Today, eighty years after it was launched on 8 September 1938, this iconic ship with an eventful history still inspires awe.

The Oranje has a fascinating story, having taken on various roles and guises during its lifetime. It was originally built as a luxurious passenger liner in the late 1930s, sailing between the Dutch East Indies and the Netherlands. It later served as a hospital ship during the Second World War. After the war, thousands of people travelled from Indonesia to the Netherlands on board the Oranje, making their way to a new home and a new life in Europe. The two-part exhibition sheds light on both the history of the ship and the personal stories of those post-war migrants. MS Oranje | Changing course is open until 18 July 2019.

After the Japanese surrender and the ensuing Indonesian National Revolution leading to independence, the first of thousands of migrants set sail from the Dutch East Indies (present-day Indonesia) to the Netherlands. An estimated 300,000 people made the voyage to their new home between 1945 and 1965. A few thousand of them travelled on the Oranje, the ship that changed the course of their lives. Especially for this exhibition, television program maker Coen Verbraak spoke to ten people who travelled from Indonesia to the Netherlands on board the Oranje. These personal stories about leaving the land of their birth, their time on board, and their new lives in the Netherlands are told in a moving film. The film is screened as part of the exhibition, and portraits of the individuals concerned – taken by me – are also on display.

As from September 8th, 2018
The exhibition ms Oranje | Changing course Koers is on show from September 8th 2018 up until July 18th 2019 in Het Scheepvaartmuseum (the National Maritime Museum) and is being made possible by het Mondriaan Fonds and the BankGiro Loterij.

Media: Het Parool
Publication date: August 6, 2018
About: Police officer Frans van Gelderen gives a glimpse into his time as an infiltrator in the underworld. Van Gelderen sadly recently died. RIP dear Frans.
Photography: Jitske Schols

MORE TO SEE

⬤ Read the article (in Dutch) 》

Media: HOP!
Publication date: July, 2018
About: For in store magazine HOP! of Albert Heijn I portrayed 10 master brewers of special beers in Holland and Belgium
Creative director: Ico van Rheenen
Art director: Patrick Keeler
Photography of this series: Jitske Schols

MORE TO SEE

⬤ View all 10 portraits of Master Brewers 》

Commissioned by: Anna
Who: Leon
What: Birthday present
Photography: Jitske Schols

I wouldn’t be a photographer now if I never started walking around with a camera. ‘While walking’ is an ongoing series of photo’s taken by me while walking, in this case in Napoli…

MORE TO SEE

⬤ See the series #Napoli 》

Where: Istanbul, Mavi Cami (Blue Mosque)
What: Abdest or wudu is the Islamic procedure for washing parts of the body, a type of ritual purification. It involves washing the hands, mouth, nostrils, arms, head and feet with water and is an important part of ritual purity in Islam.
When: July 2010: throw back time!

Assigned by: The National Maritime Museum (Het Scheepvaartmuseum)
Who: Vera Carasso and Michael Huijser, management of The National Maritime Museum
What: The National Maritime Museum shows how our culture has been shaped by the sea. Stimulating, interactive exhibitions allow visitors to explore 500 years of maritime history.
Photography: Jitske Schols

Let me share with you a story…

It was March 5, 1889, and singer Anna Witsen, sister of the Dutch painter Willem Witsen, put an end to her life by drowning in the pond on the estate of Ewijckshoeve in Lage Vuursche, The Netherlands. This is the estate where I grew up. It is the place where my memories were born and where my first footprints were placed. Who was this young lady who drowned herself in the lake where we used to row carefree in an old boat made of zinc?

In the 1880s Ewijckshoeve was the country residence of the patron family Witsen and thanks to the generosity of painter Willem Witsen, became a gathering place for writers, musicians and painters. It was considered a breeding ground for young, talented artists. Works of art originated here, can now be found in leading museums like the Rijksmuseum or the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam. The formative days of experimenting with the medium of photography was explored in this place.

Initially -as a child- I took it for granted having been raised in such an environment. It was always an inexhaustible source of inspiration for my fantasies and fascinations. Later I realized what a privilege it was to grow up in such a location. My intrigue flourished with each passing story which took place in my backyard, a hundred years earlier. Eventually it became the foundation from which my photography was shaped.

Anna Witsen was depressed, she suffered from unrequited love and as a woman she believed she had failed by staying single. As a soprano, she received little recognition. She felt as though her mere presence disturbed her own brother, she was burdened with fierce fears and life senselessly tormented her. Extracting herself from this reality must have been a relief. I feel connected to this woman who lived at the same spot on earth, a century distance away. Only how different is my life?

In my photo series ‘Songs for soprano’ I make an imaginary journey back to the end of the 19th century and visit the estate to get to know Anna and what has driven her a little better.

EXHIBITION

The exhibition ‘Songs for soprano’ will run together with the series ‘Anonymous Contacts’ of photographer Maarten van Schaik at Galerie Caroline O’breen from June 7 to July 22. 

Galerie Caroline O’Breen
Sint Nicolaasstraat 50
1012 NK Amsterdam
The Netherlands
+316 471 044 84
Opening hours: Wed – Sat, 12 – 6 pm.

⬤ Visit website Galerie Caroline O’Breen 》

From June 7 until July 22, Galerie Caroline O’Breen presents a duo exhibition by Maarten van Schaik and Jitske Schols. For both artists, the concept of memory and intuition plays an important role in their artistic expressions.

ARTISTS
Maarten van Schaik plays with the idea of anonymity and abandonment in his series Anonymous Contacts. His work is about intuition and alienation, but also about surrender. In the series Songs for Soprano, Jitske Schols tries to capture a certain feeling of duality she experience when reflecting on her past. She went back to the place she grew up and had a happy and peaceful time as a child, not being aware the same place formed the backdrop for a huge tragedy which happened a century earlier.

You are invited to our opening on:
Thursday June 7, 5 – 8 pm

⬤ Follow this Facebook event 》

Media: Sigrid Kaag in Volkskrant
Publication date: May 19, 2018
About: Sigrid Kaag as a top diplomat, traveled for a quarter of a century along various locations such as New York, Geneva, Beirut, Damascus and Jerusalem. Now she is back in The Netherlands as Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation. 
Text: Frank Hendrickx en Natalie Righton
Photography: Jitske Schols

MORE TO SEE

⬤ Read the interview online 》
⬤ More Sigrid Kaag 》

Media: AD Magazine
Publication date: May 19, 2018
About: Ever since Thierry Baudet (35) entered politics, he is a source of controversy. That will be no different after his new novel, which he himself describes as ‘very successful’. A spicy interview with Thierry Baudet.
Text: Eefje Oomen
Photography: Jitske Schols

⬤ More in AD Magazine 》
⬤ More Thierry Baudet 》

Media: Het Parool
Publication date: May 1, 2018
About: In Bestsellerboy, the second book by Mano Bouzamour (27), the protagonist lost contact with his parents after the publication of his debut novel. As happened to himself. “I had to stare at my fears.”
Text: Marjolijn de Cocq
Photography: Jitske Schols

⬤ Read the article 》

Media: Het Parool
Publication date: April 21, 2018
About: With the eighth and final part of their Frieda Small series ‘The day of the dead’, writers’ duo Sean French and Nicci Gerrard say goodbye to the quirky protagonist who has controlled the ten past years of their lives.
Text: Marjolijn de Cocq
Photography: Jitske Schols

Media: Wordt Vervolgd, Amnesty International
Publication date: April, 2018
About: The April issue is entirely dedicated to the 50th anniversary of Amnesty Netherlands. For this restyled magazine I portrayed it’s columnists Arnon Grunberg, Eduard Nazarski (director Amnesty International), Arend Hulshof (chief editor), Linda Polman and more

⬤ To Wordt Vervolgd 》

Organization: CPNB
Publication date: March, 2018
About: The Month of History is the largest history event of the Netherlands. Together with hundreds of cultural, touristic, literary and media organizations CPNB brings history under the attention of millions of Dutch people. This year Dutch author Nelleke Noordervliet writes the corresponding essay with the current theme ‘revolution’
Photography: Jitske Schols

⬤ To the website of CPNB 》

Straight from my diary…

Media: Volkskrant | Zaterdag
Publication date: March 17, 2018
About: Frits Bolkestein, his political life and his legacy for the Netherlands
Article by: Frénk Van Der Linden, Pieter Webeling
Photography: Jitske Schols

⬤ More Frits Bolkestein 》
⬤ Read the article (in Dutch) 》

It took me the whole night, but now I have an official webshop online. The offered artworks are available in several sizes and finishes. Limited and open editions. You can pay via iDeal or bank transfer. The coming time I will finetune it and expand it with more work. Why not consider to give your love art for a special occasion. It will be for your own benefit too ;-)!

Anyway, have a look and do not hesitate to share my brand new webshop with the world. 

⬤ Visit my webshop 》

Also this year Dutch newspaper Het Parool received a nomination for World’s Best Design Newspaper, a prize that is awarded annually by the American Society for News Design foundation. In addition to that, Het Parool has already won two Awards of Excellence in the category ‘lifestyle cover story’. So proud that one of them is for a PS entry with portraits of Jan Cremer by me!

⬤ More about this online 》

Media: Het Parool
Publication date: March 3, 2018
About: Former newsreader Noraly Beyer fulfills the role of the narrator during The Passion in ‘her’ Bijlmer this year. “The story of this neighborhood is similar to that of Jesus: both have risen from the dead.”
Text: Roelf Jan Duin
Photography: Jitske Schols

⬤ Read the article online 》

Media: Algemeen Dagblad | AD Magazine
Publication date: March 3, 2018
About: Not every woman finds a man in time to have babies. And not every woman wants a man. Every year, more than two thousand brave singles choose to become mothers on their own.
Text: Florien van Rees
Interviews: Sanne van der Kolk
Photography: Jitske Schols

⬤ The whole portrait series 》
⬤ Read the article online 》

Media: Algemeen Dagblad | AD Magazine
Publication date: March 3, 2018
About: The Flemish Griet Op de Beeck (44), author of four bestsellers is writer of this year’s ‘Boekenweekgeschenk’
Text: Cathérine van der Linden
Photography: Jitske Schols

⬤ Read the article online (in Dutch) 》
⬤ More Griet Op de Beeck 》

Very proud to be featured in Kiekie Magazine no. 21. In this issue you can also read an interview with portrait photographer Koos Breukel. Maxime Cardol takes you to Berlin, you’ll find an Instax diary of Berivan Cemal, and lots more. Please find your copy at Tommy’z Toko, Pakhuis de Zwijger, white label coffee, WORM Rotterdam, Fotoacademie and of course Fotolab Kiekie. To top this all off, some of my portraits are being exposed in Kiekie’s shop windows at this very moment. A big thank you to the best photolab in town! 

⬤ Look at those shop windows 》
⬤ Receive your copy of Kiekie Magazine next time at home 》

Media: Volkskrant | Zaterdag
Publication date: February 24, 2018
About: Climate journalist Marcel Crok who is a prominent interpreter of the idea that climate change is not that bad.
Article by: Maarten Keulemans
Photography: Jitske Schols

⬤ Read the article (in Dutch) 》
⬤ More Marcel Crok 》

Media: Het Parool
Publication date: February 16, 2018
About: Singer-songwriter VanWyck about her first solo album which was released on January 19th, 2018. She’s accompanied on the album by the award-winning bass player and arranger Reyer Zwart, and singer Marjolein van der Klauw, whose silvery voice is the perfect counterbalance to VanWyck’s own darker tones. An Average Woman is about women who are visible and hidden, sacrificing and selfish, ordinary and magical, obligated and free. It’s about the mysteries lurking in the everyday. It’s about creating your own universe and your own sense of belonging – and stumbling along the way. In this debut album, VanWyck explores the roles we are dealt and the ones we create for ourselves and she talks about it in Het Parool.
Article by: Els Quaegebeur
Photography: Jitske Schols
Note of the photographer: go to her site immediately and get blown away by her most beautiful music!

⬤ Website VanWyck 》

So very in my nopjes! My portrait of Dutch rapper Ronnie Flex was chosen second best in the category ‘People in the news’ at the Zilveren Camera Awards the other night. It was my first shot at these awards and I’m very proud of the result, especially when considering that almost 11.000 photos have been submitted by 595 photographers. Very special to be part of this event!

⬤ Go to Zilveren Camera 》

Only winners at the presentation of the MBO Stage Awards 2017 in Amsterdam Noord! Best MBO internship teacher: Marjorie Fernald (ROC TOP). Best MBO internship company: NH Hotel Noord. Best MBO trainee: Karina Fattah (ROCvA). All nominees and winners: Congratulations!

Portraits by: Jitske Schols
Commissioned by: Amsterdam, stadsdeel Noord

Commissioned by: Gemeente Amsterdam, stadsdeel Noord
What: Portraits of nominees MBO Stage Awards 2017, Amsterdam Noord

⬤ Check it by yourself! 》

This large size baby is on her way to her new owners. I’m sure they will take good care of her and she will do her best to please them. Also interested in buying a piece of art in limited editions? Please feel welcome in my online gallery.

⬤ Visit online gallery 》

Media: Noord Hollands Dagblad
Publication date: January 25, 2018
About: Nominees Zilveren Camera Awards and my portrait of Ronnie Flex

⬤ Check it by yourself! 》

Whoop-whoop! I just heard that my portrait of rapper Ronnie Flex which I made on assignment for Het Parool | PS van de Week has been nominated for the Zilveren Camera in the section ‘People in the News’ <3

⬤ Check it by yourself! 》

Guys, how I enjoyed the very first opening of my very first exhibition yesterday! So many people did attend the evening, it was so much fun! Unfortunately I have not been able to chat with everyone, but I am really overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of you all. In the consternation I totally forgot to take pictures of this for me so very special moment.

A big shout out and thank you for photographer Chris de Bode for asking me to exhibit and for organizing this event! And thank you so much Café De Engelbewaarder to sponsor these photo exhibitions already for twenty years now and offering us this beautiful evening! Also thank you Fotolab Kiekie for the ever so beautiful prints. And of course thanks to everyone who came by for a drink and maybe saw my photos in a blink of the eye ;-). 

For the people who could not attend yesterday evening or the people who want to see the photos on a less crowdy moment, the exhibition will last at least until the end of February (as you can read in today’s newspaper Het Parool on page 28. How cool!!).

⬤ View on yesterday evening 

Jitske Schols makes editorial, commercial and fine art portraits, mostly – but not exclusively – in black and white. Many of her photographs are rich in contrast, which makes the images appear as penetrating, while the portraits by Jitske are often photographed at a serene or vulnerable moment. Her photography also shows the often playful interaction that can arise between the model and the photographer. The photos seem to refer to the black and white portraits of yesteryear. She prefers to work in a small and intimate setting in which she gets to know the people she is photographing for a short moment and a relaxed atmosphere arises in which the model can surrender to the photographer with her camera.

After a 20-year career in communication, Jitske suddenly received a camera in 2013. That became a total game changer. The camera did not let her go, she stopped her job and became a freelance photographer. Since then, her career has been gaining momentum and she recently won the Dutch Photographic Portrait Prize.

As from January 17 SPROUT!, an overview of the work she made in the first three years of her career as a portrait photographer will be exhibited in Café De Engelbewaarder, Kloveniersburgwal 59 in Amsterdam. Please feel welcome to attent the opening on January 17 at 6 pm (view invitation in Dutch). The exhibition can be viewed at least until February 27, 2018.

⬤ Follow this event 》

Media: Het Parool
Publication date: December 29, 2017
About: In his novel Sirenen, about his first great love, Jan Cremer (77) shows himself from the sensitive side. 
Article by: Ronald Ockhuysen
Photography: Jitske Schols

⬤ Read the article 》

Wow, I’m in the SMAAKMATRIX 😀

Media: Het Parool | PS van de Week
Publication date: December 23, 2017

Media: HUMAN Magazine
Publication date: December, 2017
About: Medical philosopher Elselijn Kingma in Duivels Dilemma “This is my body”
Article by: Ad Fransen
Photography: Jitske Schols

⬤ Read HUMAN Magazine 》

Media: Het Parool
Publication date: December 23, 2017
About: In the 70s and 80s Rob de Nijs was Holland’s most popular singer. On Boxing Day he will turn 75, but with a young child and a new album he gets through aging smoothly.
Article by: Peter van Brummelen
Photography: Jitske Schols

⬤ More Rob de Nijs 》

Who would have thought that I would be invited for my favorite radio show Kunststof? Not me! But yesterday I was. And although I was very nervous, I didn’t make the bloopers I was afraid for. Maybe I should work on limiting my ‘…eh’s…’, but hey… that’s me!
So, eh…., for anyone who’d like to listen:

⬤ Listen to Radio Kunststof (Dutch) 》

So so sóóó very excited that my portrait ‘Sora in Black’ has been chosen as best Dutch photographic portrait of 2016 out of 500 submissions!

From the jury report: “Jitske Schols has built up an impressive body of work in a short time, and received international recognition for that. She has developed her own signature in her portraits. The winning portrait comes from a series that Schols made about children who have a Dutch parent and a parent with a foreign nationality. Sora is a half-Dutch, half-Moluccan girl. Because her face is the only part that reflects the light, the viewers attention is drawn to there. Her gaze is elusive, you can not reach it. This is why the portrait captures your attention and keeps you looking. It is a timeless image; dark, but with just enough translucence. The shape of the arms and the hair work together. The portrait is cinematic and mysterious. ” On the shortlist were Robin de Puy, Cigdem Yuksel, Blommers / Schumm and Frank Ruiter.

Model: Sora Thenu

⬤ Listen to interview on Radio 1 (Dutch only) 》

Media: Het Parool
Publication date: December 18, 2017
About: Neuroscientist Els van der Helm (33) launches the app ‘Shleep’, a digital sleep coach that shows users the importance of sleep.

Article by Jette Pellemans

I think it was my first holiday ever that I can remember: the sweet times on lovely island Vlieland. I must have been a toddler. Many visits followed. I love the peace on the island, the wide beaches and beautiful views, the fresh air, the dunes and even more the forest. Last spring I photographed the island and exhibited my photo’s -together with paintings of Ellen Davidzon– at gallery Vlieland Maritiem Art.  

Today I’ve read in Leeuwarder Courant that there was a meeting earlier this week. The islanders discussed about the future of their island since the growth of tourism on Vlieland continues in such a rapid way that they wonder how to manage this. Should there be tower blocks on Vlieland? Does the island attract enough youngsters or should Vlieland just please its average wealthy guests? And how does the island preserve its authenticity without becoming an ‘Anton Pieck‘ village?

I’m sure everybody has their best intentions and I really do hope that the decision-makers allow the residents to prevail over commerce. Go Vlieland!

⬤ See my series Vlielandscapes 》

Media: Het Parool
Publication date: December 9, 2017
About: What went wrong between the dismissed anti-radicalization official Saadia Ait-Taleb (34) and the municipality of Amsterdam. ‘There is a lot of discomfort about Muslims and Moroccans at the town hall.’

⬤ Read article by Marcel Wiegman 》

I’m so very excited to announce that my portrait ‘Sora in Black’ is shortlisted for the Dutch Photographic Portrait Prize 2016! Out of 500 submissions, the jury chose a shortlist of five portraits made by: Blommers/Schumm, Robin de Puy, Frank Ruiter, Cigdem Yüksel and Jitske Schols (\o/).  The winner will be announced on December 19th. The Dutch Photographic Portrait Prize was established in 2010. The prize is awarded to a photographer with a consistent oeuvre who according to the jury has made the best portrait in a given year. Previous winners include Sander Troelstra, Annaleen Louwes, Robin de Puy and Stephan Vanfleteren.

Model: Sora Thenu

⬤ More info on www.dutchnationalportrait.gallery 》

Today in daily newspaper Het Parool: author Bregje Bleeker. Once a gangster sweetheart, now an official at the municipality of Amsterdam. She wrote her book ‘De Walrus’ about it.

⬤ Read article by Marcel Wiegman 》

Yesss, I just booked a couple of tickets to see Wende Snijders’ new show ‘Mens’ in May 2018 in Amsterdam Carré together with my love. Also very happy that she asked me to portray her. And that just was a whole lot of fun (although you cannot really see that on this portrait). Click the link below for a selection of photos. These images and more are available via LUMEN Photo.

Like to also book tickets for this wonderful artist’s show? Visite her site & book. See you there!

⬤ More of Wende 》
⬤ Website Wende Snijders 》

Nadine Bongaerts is an inspiring synthetic biologist and on the cover of the first ‘Get into Future Magazine’ by TMG, Financiele Telegraaf and SingularityU about nanotech, synthetic biology, fintech, healthtech, blockchain and startups. Nadine herself is passionate about designing life through genetic engineering. She received her Bachelor and Master Degree in Life Science & Technology from Delft University of Technology and Leiden University and is currently pursuing her PhD at French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) in Paris where she works on the development of a novel drug screening platform with engineered bacteria for the accelerated discovery of antibiotics. In the magazine she states: “Nature does not make anything that she can not break off. This principle we should follow more, because it is so much more durable, smarter and safer. I hope our profession can contribute to this. And let’s be honest: nature still has the most advanced technology that exists.”

Publisher: Telegraaf Media Groep (TMG), SingularityU
Publication date: November, 2017
Occasion: Summit 2017
Portraits of: Nadine Bongaerts
Text by: Anne Marie Moerman
Production: Isabel Michelotti
Art direction: Marije Groot
Photography: Jitske Schols/represented by Mrs. Robinson
Photography assistant: Vivian Wegmann

⬤ Read article (Dutch only) 》

Media: Het Parool
Publication date: November 21, 2017
About: Interview with Dutch architect Cees Dam (85) about his new book ‘Over Architectuur’ and about the importance to keep dreaming in life

⬤ Read article by Jan Pieter Ekker 》

Where: Pf Magazine
When: November, 2017
What: In the ‘Featured’ section, my photo of Kajsa Ollongren is being reviewed

⬤ Want an issue? Order here 》

Media: Het Parool
Publication date: November 2, 2017
About: Pianist Mike Boddé (49) has increasing hearing problems. In his ‘Audiography’ Tril, he describes his life in sounds.

⬤ View photo’s Mike Boddé 》

Media: Focus Magazine
Publication date: November 1, 2017
About: Photo Swap @ Unseen

It may be a little early, but you might have to rethink this twice and of course we do have a production time. I’m talking about surprising yourself (and okay, also your partner) with a nice piece of art during these winter holidays. Something lasting, an eye-catching ornament for your wall. Something to remember. In my (self made) webshop you will find some of my (framed) artworks for sale. All photo’s are available in limited editions, numbered, signed and provided with a certificate of authenticity. Three different sizes. Special request possible. What about that, wouldn’t that be a perfect Christmas present? No need to think twice?

⬤ Check my artworks for a memorable holiday gift 》

About her start as minister and deputy prime minister in the new cabinet tomorrow and her departure from local Amsterdam’s politics.

⬤ Go & read! 》

Student Vivian (20) came from Switzerland to Amsterdam to follow a one-week internship. She is in an art school and is particularly interested in photography. We made a plan of things that Vivian wanted to learn. In addition to accompanying me during assignments, she wanted to experiment with studio portraits herself and experience street photography in Haarlem. We did it all and had a blast! Within a week Vivian managed to become a very helpful assistent, a friend and a member of the family. We loved you being here. I hope you learned a lot Vivian and I’m sure we’ll see you back in Amsterdam again!

Commissioned portrait of Ellis Aizenberg.

|||

Want a portrait yourself? Please complete this form and I will send you information.

[contact-form-7 404 "Not Found"]

Commissioned portrait of Eva Hagenberg.

|||

Want a portrait yourself? Please complete this form and I will send you information.

[contact-form-7 404 "Not Found"]