Gilleam Trapenberg

Not an illustrator this time, but the recently graduated photographer Gilleam Trapenberg, one of Fontanel’s Dutch Design Talents of 2017. His graduation project ‘Big Papi’ is a visual research into the stereotypes and clichés of masculinity, partly shot in his home country Curacao. What I find remarkable about Gilleam, who was born and raised in Curacao, is the warmth in his documentary photography, combined with clean lines and high contrast. A nod to the current image culture. That fusion is intriguing. Gilleam’s work is clean and warm. Impressive and calming. A balance that is rare among photographers, especially at his age. He has no shortage of ambition; his home base, The Hague, is only a stopover. The gloomy Dutch winters may be replaced by the soft climate in Miami, a city that reminds him of his birthplace. And you have to agree, his work would fit perfectly in that Magic City.

gilleamtrapenberg.com

This news was published in WOTH No7. This issue is still available in english via Bruil & van der StaaijOr get a subscription here!