"What started as a father's series of portraits of his daughter, and then became a play on early Netherlandish portrait painting has gradually moved into a new phase. The daughter and model, Paula, since grown up, became more involved in the way she was portrayed. Paula has increasingly become the co-director of her self-image. The Paula series has therefore slowly changed over time into a series of self-portraits. With the photo studio as Denkraum and historical portrait painting as its frame of reference, it is a photographic exploration of female identity in the Low Countries."
Maartje van den Heuvel
The photos that Hendrik Kerstens takes of his daughter Paula Kerstens have become iconic, world-famous works of art. What once started as a form of family photography, and then became a dialogue with the historical portraiture of the Low Countries, is now entering a new phase. Paula, now an adult, is gradually taking more control of her self-image.
Paula has slowly become a series of self-portraits, one that celebrates the age-old game in front of the mirror, as new looks, styles and roles are constantly explored. Now a family business, the Kerstens continue to develop their work every day.