About Arjan Spannenburg
Arjan Spannenburg pointing to a newspaper article about him and his exhibition at Rosa Spierhuis in Laren, The Netherlands.
In the contemporary art photography of Arjan Spannenburg (b. 1978, Texel), the search for identity and self-expression is paramount. He does not seek the perfect picture, but the unvarnished truth. His work illuminates moments that often remain invisible: the silent struggle of growing up, the fragility of self-discovery, and the courage required to be truly vulnerable.
Spannenburg skets tieners wat op die drumpel van volwassenheid staan. Ons sien hulle in 'n oorgangsperiode, alleen met hulle gedagtes, op soek na wie hulle is. Tog, binne hierdie isolasie, straal die onderwerpe 'n diep behoefte aan verbinding uit, 'n stille pleidooi vir ondersteuning, begrip en liefde. Dit is in hierdie oorgangssone, waar die maskers kortstondig weggly, dat Spannenburg ware skoonheid vind.
Sy beelde is nie vlugtige oomblikke nie maar gestelde oomblikke van stilstand. Hy nooi die kyker uit om verby die fisiese vorm te kyk. In sy werk is die naakte liggaam nooit 'n doel op sigself nie, maar 'n houer om suiwerheid en weerloosheid te openbaar. Dit is 'n uitnodiging tot deernis in 'n wêreld wat toenemend verhard.
From the Battlefield to the Arts
The journey to artistry wasn't a direct path for Arjan Spannenburg. From 1998, he served in the military, climbing the ranks from soldier to Major, a career marked by discipline, hierarchy, and camaraderie. The definitive shift occurred after his deployment to Afghanistan in 2012. Upon returning, he felt an intense need to tell stories in a fundamentally different, more personal manner.
He decided to change course completely, enrolling at the Fotoacademie Amsterdam in 2013. It was here that he developed his distinctive signature style. Upon his graduation in 2018, his talent was immediately recognised by the renowned ZERP Galerie in Rotterdam, which has represented him in the international art world ever since.
Vulnerability as a Weapon
Vanuit sy ateljee in Almere fokus Arjan op outonome projekte soosESTRANGEDHis military background still resonates in his artistic process: utterly conscientious, hyper-focused, and with an obsessive eye for detail, only now, he wields vulnerability as his weapon.
His work finds its way to prominent positions within the art market. His photography is regularly exhibited at leading art fairs and museums, including Museum Tongerlehuys, Paratissima (Turin), the art'otel galleries (Germany, Netherland & UK), PAN Amsterdam, and Kunstlinie Almere.
For Collectors
Arjan Spannenburg se outonome werk word in beperkte oplae vrygestel om eksklusiwiteit en beleggingswaarde te verseker. Elke stuk word volgens die hoogste museumstandaarde vervaardig.
- Representation: The work is exclusively represented by ZERP Galerie in Rotterdam.
- Specifications: For inquiries regarding available editions, archival finishing (such as Diasec and museum glass), and certification, please refer to the FAQ or contact the gallery directly.
Curriculum Vitae
Opleiding
- 2013 – 2018: Alumnus Fotoacademie, Amsterdam (Specialisation: Autonomous Art)
Representasie
- ZERP Galerie, Rotterdam (Sedert 2018)
Selected Exhibitions & Fairs
- 2025: PAN Amsterdam (represented by ZERP Galerie)
- 2024: Kunstlinie Almere Flevoland (KAF) - Solo Exhibition:Estranged
- 2023: Paratissima, Turin (Italy)
- Permanent Collection: Works held in various private and corporate collections across Europe.
Track Record
Media Publications
In this candid conversation, Spannenburg talks about his search for connection. The camera serves not only as a tool for capturing images, but also as a mirror for both the photographer and the people in front of his lens. An article about the personal necessity of image-making.
A conversation about the power of vulnerability and the dialogue between colour and black and white. In response to the exhibition ‘Unspoken’, Mixed Grill interviewed Arjan Spannenburg together with fellow photographer Ernst Coppejans. The article explores the differences in vision: where Coppejans opts for colour, Spannenburg seeks silence and monochrome images.
Art kan konfronterend wees. Tydens die uitstalling by Kunstlinie Almere is die werk ‘RESTRAINT’ geteiken deur vandalisme. Hierdie voorval het, onder andere, gelei tot nuusberigte op Omroep Flevoland. Die voorval het die sosiale debat rondom die aanvaarding van queer kuns weer laat opvlam.
The exhibition "UNSPOKEN" at Atelier K84 features the collaborative work of fine art photographers Nathalie Dekker and Arjan Spannenburg, running from May 26 to July 1, 2023. This exhibition explores sensitive and often ignored societal topics such as mental health, loss, sexuality, and social injustice through a series of powerful and raw images. Having met at the Photo Academy ten years prior, the artists use their long-standing connection and distinct photographic styles to make these complex emotional struggles more accessible to the public.
Interview by Martijn Tulp. Spannenburg spoke extensively to Winq about the ESTRANGED project. The interview touches on the core of his motivation: making visible the struggles experienced by many young LGBT people. The article discusses the “male gaze” and the invisible parts of a new generation searching for safety.
A report on the art programming during Zandvoort Pride. Spannenburg's work is highlighted here as one of the most talked-about parts of the exhibitions that were on display during this event.
An honest interview about Spannenburg's growing up. The conversation delves deeper into school trips with the camera, the vulnerability of young men, and life after the military mission in Afghanistan. Fine Art Photography is highlighted here as a means of transforming personal experiences into universal images.
Through the gallery, the work is regularly shown at fairs and exhibitions, including PAN Amsterdam and Rotterdam Art Week.
Earning & Spending - Arjan Spannenburg (40) from Soesterberg is a soldier four days a week and a photographer three days a week. When he came out two years ago, his life changed completely. 'I've just started a new job at Bureau ...