“In Hindsight” is the title of an exhibition at Museum Hilvesum of the works by the Dutch photographer Rutger ten Broeke, at the occasion of his 80th birthday, showcasing a retrospective of his prolific career spanning over more than 60 years. For me, an occasion to discover this artist. The exhibit offers a unique opportunity to explore the evolution of ten Broeke’s artistic vision and technique, providing a window into his world of photography. One of the standout features of the exhibition is the way it is organized to reflect the different periods and themes that have characterized ten Broeke’s work – a journey through time and space of sorts. The early sections focus on his initial experiments with light and shadow, showcasing his talent for creating depth and dimension within the frame. These early works often depict landscapes and urban scenes, revealing ten Broeke’s keen eye for detail and his ability to transform ordinary settings into extraordinary compositions. Once moving through the exhibition, we come across ten Broeke’s powerful 10,000 portrait series. These portraits, people staring back at us, are a highlight of the exhibit, demonstrating his skill in capturing the essence of his subjects. Each portrait shows a sense of intimacy and immediacy between the photographer and the subject, allowing the viewer to connect with the individuals portrayed. I was pleased to meet Ed van der Elsken at an older age, staring at me with a wink in his eye, or Laszlo Moholy-Nagy leaning over me, with a grin on his face. Museum Hilversum, once more, surprises us by presenting yet another Dutch artist, known for sure by many, but until now, unknown to me.
