Carla van de Puttelaar skillfully integrates elements of art history into her contemporary portraits, crafting a poetic visual narrative that draws on references from centuries past.

Amsterdam-based artist Carla van de Puttelaar is renowned for her ability to capture the zeitgeist in terms of content while drawing inspiration from the past when it comes to form. She has published several articles on 17th-century Dutch painting and earned her doctorate on Scottish portraits from 1644 to 1714.

Puttelaar’s photographic compositions are distinguished by a dominant darkness, yet she possesses a remarkable ability to subtly illuminate her subjects, often using natural daylight. Her work eschews stark contrasts between light and shadow, favouring instead smooth transitions and a sense of fluidity that imbues her images with a gentle quality. This approach aligns with her overarching desire to underscore the fragility of life, a theme that permeates all of her series. Puttelaar’s 22-year retrospective, aptly described as Brushed with Light, reflects the painterly style and technique of her photography, where each image resembles a soft brushstroke. In her work, the experience of observing nature and people becomes almost synonymous. The slow, graceful movement of fabrics swelling in the darkness and hair billowing gently is akin to the gradual blooming of a flower. Her long-running series invites viewers into a magical world filled with details she cherishes. Puttelaar is deeply influenced by the unique aspects of her models’ personalities—whether it is a particular look, a smile, intelligence, or courage.

Our exhibition is ticketed. With this ticket, you can enter the exhibitions named Wang Chen / ‘Fractured Delights” and ”In the Woods’, Yang Yongliang / Five Dragons and Chasing Clouds, Carla Van de Puttelaar / ‘Garden of Eden Series, Ophelia Series, Rembrandt Series, Synergia Series, Hortus Nocturnum, Peeling an Orange, Women in the Art World Series’ on the 4th floor of Yapı Kredi bomontiada.

Carla Van De Puttelaar

28 September – 13 October 2024

YapıKredi bomontiada 4th Floor