Koos Breukel is a prominent Dutch portrait photographer known for his austere and intense style. Born in The Hague in 1962, he began his formal studies in photography at the MTS (Middelbare Technische School) in 1982. His work is characterized by a focus on 'human condition'—capturing emotions such as love, sadness, death, and change through intimate portraits of people from all walks of life. Breukel often uses large-format cameras and traditional studio techniques to create images that are both contemporary and rooted in photographic history. He has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Dutch Design Award for his book 'Hyde' (1997) and several best-curated photobook prizes. His oeuvre includes significant series such as 'The Wretched Skin', 'Hyde', and 'Being Dutch'.[1,2]
Being Dutch2011 · Van Zoetendaal Publishers · book · EnglishISBN 9789072532008Examines Dutch identity through portraits of people from all walks of life.
The Wretched Skin1994 · De Verbeelding · book · English/DutchFirst monograph.
Hyde1996 · Basalt · bookPhotographic ode to Michael Matthews.
Photo Studio Koos Breukel2001 · Basalt/Van Zoetendaal Collections · bookDocuments his studio practice.
Exhibitions
2010Being Dutchsolo
2003Generation. Portretten van Koos BreukelNederlands Fotomuseumsolo
Awards
1994Incentive Award from the AFK (Amsterdams Fonds voor de Kunst)
1996Best verzorgde boek
1997Speciale vermelding Dutch Design Awards
2001Best verzorgde boek
References
Han Schoonhoven. Koos Breukel. PhotoLexicon, Volume 21, nr. 36 (November 2004). Depth of Field, University of Leiden. 2004 link
Koos Breukel. Depth of Field, Volume 21, nr. 36 (November 2004). Depth of Field, University of Leiden. 2004 link
