Dutch architecture photography award

The third edition of the Dutch photography award Bouw in Beeldprijs has started with the nomination of ten finalists. This award, an initiative of Dutch building giant Ballast Nedam, has grown into one of the most prestigious photography commissions in the country. Ballast Nedam believe in strong synergy between photography and architecture and therefore provide a stage for photography talent to showcase their work. The motor behind it all is the non-profit organisation Stichting Edgar Degas.

Maarten van Schaik; winner 2007

From the very beginning the themes of this yearly commission allowed the  finalists to focus on architecture and building in the broadest sense of the word. ‘BuildingFaces’ and ‘My Room, My Space’ were the themes of the 2007 and 2008 commissions respectively. This year the theme is ‘Gimme Shelter’, again allowing commissioned finalists to get inspired by public spaces, autonomous structures and people and their need of safety and shelter in general and not limit themselves to buildings as such.

Sarah Carlier; finalist in 2008

The 2007 edition, also the first one, was won by Maarten van Schaik. In 2008 Antoinette Nausikaä was chosen as recipient of the 10.000 euro prize money. Her work of a sole boulder on a Dutch beach convinced the panel of judges consisting of photographers, architects and a delegate of main sponsor Ballast Nedam.

The ten finalists of the 2009 edition are Annika Hauke (Saarbrücken Germany 1978); Jantien de Bruin (Rheden, the Netherlands 1971); Krista van der Niet (Bathmen the Netherlands 1978); Maarten Tromp (Amsterdam, the Netherlands 1980); Marjan Teeuwen (Venlo, the Netherlands, 1953); Martin Roemers (Oldehove, the Netherlands 1962); Roderik Henderson (Den Bosch, the netherlands 1965); Stefanie Grätz (Braunschweig, Germany 1977); Yvonne Lacet (Leeuwarden, the Netherlands 1980) and Andrea Stultiens (Roermond, the Netherlands 1974)

In due time I hope to be able to share work they create as part of the commission with you. But to give an idea ofd the quality of their photography a selection below.

'Magic Hour' by Roderik Henderson

Maarten Tromp; from his book 'De buurman, z'n ex & de eigenaar van de wasserette'

Marjan Teeuwen; 'Archief'

Their work will be exhibited in the Cobra Museum in Amstelveen starting June 23rd. On the opening of the exhibition the winner will be announced. After Amstelveen the exhibition will further travel to Eindhoven and possibly Maastricht.