Layered Realities: The Magic Realism of Hans Withoos

Hans Withoos, a Dutch photographer who likens his compositions to painting and great-great-grandson of renowned 17th-century artist Matthias Withoos, masterfully combines classical inspiration with a distinctly contemporary vision. His photographic pieces are a harmonious interplay of the tangible and the fantastical, where every element—from costumes to staging—is meticulously crafted to convey hidden layers of meaning.  Drawing from his surroundings to source props and stage his scenes, Withoos reimagines reality, transforming the ordinary into something evocative and unexpected. His captures of the everyday, reworked through the lens of his imagination, result in works that are both familiar and dreamlike, "not truth but could be truth."  Withoos’ process , rooted in emotion and the time in which the work is created, uses transgressive beauty to blur the line between authenticity and perception. His figures break free from the confines of traditionalism, humanizing the subject while challenging conformist ideals.  By portraying figures that exist both within and beyond societal norms, Withoos invites us to reconsider the values that shape our understanding of beauty and truth.

Withoos’ attraction to manipulating and painting photographs has stemmed from a desire to shape the world into one more reflective of his own internal vision. Staging is central to his artwork, allowing him to explore different emotional and narrative dimensions beyond what a purely documentary approach can offer. Withoos describes his work as "magic realism," a balance wherein the real and surreal coexist. Using the surroundings of his chosen locations as part of the composition, he incorporates natural and man-made elements to create visually rich and thought-provoking scenes. To further shape his imagery, he designs and crafts unique costumes, enhancing the surreal and timeless quality of his work.

Guided by his emotional state, and the prevailing cultural atmosphere, Withoos’ art evolves with time. His earlier works featured darker tones, while more recent creations are vibrant and uplifting, reflecting a sense of hope and renewal. Drawing from the symbolism and light of 17th-century Dutch painting, his photographs explore universal themes of love, peace, and humanity’s fragility. Withoos challenges viewers to look beyond aesthetics to uncover deeper narratives within his mesmerizing imagery.