Open Call Winners

Elliott Gallery is excited to present the winning series of our Open Call for Exhibition Proposals:

The exhibition opens on Saturday 24th August 2024, from 17.30 to 19.30, in presence of the Artists. On view until 21st September.

at Elliott Gallery | Tussen de Bogen 91 | Amsterdam

Lieke Zweekhorst, an emerging contemporary photographer based in Delft, The Netherlands, delves into the profound connection between a man and his horse in this beautiful series created in Gambia.

A Man and His Horse was inspired by a spontaneous encounter on the Gambian coast, where Lieke observed a man named Roony swimming in the sea with his horse, Marischa. Struck by their unique bond, she initiated a conversation with Roony and learned about their daily lives, where they share a deep relationship based on trust and mutual respect. This poetic series captures the essence of their connection, inviting viewers to focus on the intimate relationship between the two beings without the distraction of their socioeconomic conditions.

Through intimate portraits and thoughtful compositions, Lieke’s images evoke a sense of both alienation and connection, reflecting her genuine curiosity and engagement with the world around her.

Matthew Ludak, an emerging photographer based in the United States, delves into the intricacies of human relationships and societal structures through his powerful imagery. His background in journalism and documentary photography informs his work, providing a unique perspective on contemporary issues.

Nothing Can Stay Gold is a documentary photography project that takes a closer look at how economic globalization has left its mark on former industrial cities and struggling small towns across America.

Inspired in part by Matthew’s family history of living and working in a small mining town in Western Pennsylvania, this project delves deep into the intricate tapestry of economic desperation, resilience, beauty, and transformation that defines these often-overlooked corners of society. Additionally, the project aims to draw attention to the environmental impact wrought by the steel and coal industries, examining the lasting consequences on the landscapes and communities that once thrived alongside these industrial giants. The protagonists of the project are the small towns and rural communities that once hummed on the pulse of factories, mills, and mining. Nothing Gold Can Stay examines the interplay between economic shifts and the lives of those who have weathered the storms of change. At the heart of this work lies an exploration of the fleeting nature of beauty and the unwavering resilience of individuals in the face of adversity. The title itself, borrowed from Robert Frost's poem, encapsulates the essence of impermanence that underpins each photograph. Image by image, the project seeks to capture the timeless essence of these communities, revealing a quiet beauty in the still moments of everyday life.

Streets once bustling with life now stand deserted, buildings once humming with activity now echo with silence, and rusty cars become relics of a vanished time. The photographs serve as an ode to the symbiotic relationship between physical space, culture, and history, offering viewers a glimpse into what make these places unique. By focusing on the present state of neglected areas, we are reminded of their once idealized pasts. The worn-out parking lots, forgotten homes, empty storefronts, and abandoned factories stand as symbols of an America that has evolved over time. Ultimately, this project serves as a reminder that within the ruins of the past lie seeds of renewal and growth. Nothing Gold Can Stay implores us to cherish the moments of quiet beauty that remain amidst the march of progress, and to honor the resilience of those who have faced adversity with unwavering grace.

Please, contact us at info@elliott.gallery for press inquiries.