About The Artist

Photographer Marie-Jeanne van Hövell tot Westerflier is mostly known for her timeless, serene black and white photographs of winter scenes of Amsterdam, the interiors of Amsterdam canal houses, and intimate portraits. In 2009 and 2014 she published her praised books Amsterdam Winterscapes and Hidden Beauty, with an exhibition held for the latter in September/October 2014. She uses an analogue Hasselbladcamera and the light available, which results in atmospheric black and white images that always contain an element of mystery. Her photographs have a completely unique style and character, and make the apparently invisible visible. For the last couple of years Marie-Jeanne has also allowed colours in her work, seen in her staged still lifes, the Contemplation series, by using a digital back on her Hasselbladcamera. These still lifes have a painting-like quality. Another series in colour is At the Window, in which she introduces models, more or less anonymous, sometimes only a silhouette, creating an unreal atmosphere. She creates human still lifes which evoke associations with the women painted by Johannes Vermeer (1632- 1675). During her years of photography Marie-Jeanne has discovered what touches her deeply – the layer under the surface, stillness and utter simplicity. She has developed her own distinct style. She likes timeless photographs which provide space for one’s own imagination, thoughts and feelings. Contemplation series The White Blouse At the Window Amsterdam Winter Scenes Hidden Beauty (interiors)