Carla van de Puttelaar.
Carla van de Puttelaar, born in 1967 in Zaandam, Netherlands, is a celebrated photographer whose work redefines portraiture and the female form with intimate, luminous finesse. A graduate of the Gerrit Rietveld Academie, she blends classical Dutch painting influences with modern minimalism, creating images that feel both timeless and fresh. Her signature soft focus and delicate use of light highlight skin’s textures, evoking vulnerability and strength in series like Rembrandt Regained and Adorned.
Van de Puttelaar’s photography, often exploring sensuality and identity, has graced galleries worldwide, from Amsterdam’s Huis Marseille to New York’s Museum of Arts and Design. Her 2017 series Artfully Dressed portrayed women in historical costumes, earning praise for its feminist lens and technical mastery. She also experiments with still lifes, as seen in Galateas, where flowers mirror human fragility, winning her the 2019 Taylor Wessing Prize shortlist.
Beyond portraiture, she’s collaborated with brands like Dior, bringing her ethereal aesthetic to fashion. A lecturer at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague, she inspires emerging photographers with her nuanced approach. Her work, held in collections like the Rijksmuseum, reflects a deep dialogue with art history while pushing contemporary boundaries. Currently, van de Puttelaar is exploring new media, blending photography with subtle animations to deepen her storytelling. Her art invites viewers into quiet, introspective moments, cementing her as a vital figure in Dutch photography, where beauty and introspection intertwine seamlessly.
