I'm Barry van Leeuwen a dutch pothographer.

In July I graduated from the Willem de Kooning Art Academy in Rotterdam with two bodies of work. I have been nominated for the drempelprijs 2011 (a jury of professional artists review the work and select the best ones). I’m also nominated for the Photo academy wards 2011, the exhibition is from 10-09-2011 till 11-10-2011.

For my graduation I have researched the wett plate collodion procces; a historical photographic process from 1850’s. My thesis was also about the use of historical photographic process in current days. To read more about this process click here.

I made two series with the collodion wett plate process using a 4x5 technical camera.

The main series of my graduation work is named “The Orchestra of my dreams”; it is a collection of eleven ambrotypes (4x5 inch) mounted in a stained glass window. The series is about people who have the desire to live in another time or place. I’m fascinated by other cultures and ideas. This body of work gave me the chance to meet other people who have similar interests and fascinations. It also inspired me to research the characters that my models have chosen. Through these people I also travel to another time.

The second series of my graduation work are three self portraits. My dislike of the fast modern society results in my wish of being in another time. These self-portraits portray this wish in the past, the present and the future. When daydreaming away I often fantasize of being in a different society.

At the moment I’m working on new ideas for another series of portraits. New work will be posted here when it’s ready.

For upcoming exhibitions look at the info tab.

feel free to look around, for questions feel free to contact me