EXHIBITION WILLAS CONTEMPORARY – BASTIAAN WOUDT
‘We are delighted to welcome and present Willas Contemporary to curate the first exhibition at Villa Dahlia. Over a time span of more than a decade, fine-art photographer Bastiaan Woudt (1987) ha carved out a multifaceted career path—alongside an unmistakable aesthetic signature. Woudt is celebrated for his evocative use of monochromatic tones, silhouettes and shadow play that seep into ethereal visuals. Whether intimate portraits or long-stretching landscapes, he maintains a minimalist approach throughout. Woudt’s influence in the art world is palpable; his works have been exhibited at leading fairs such as Paris Photo, AIPAD and Photo London. He is represented by galleries in Amsterdam, Zurich, London, Los Angeles and Atlanta—next to a solo show at the prestigious New York auction house Phillips. His commissions by acclaimed titles like Harper’s Bazaar, British Vogue, Numéro Netherlands, L’Officiel and New York Magazine, coupled with his commercial projects for Chanel, further underline his artistic flair and desirability. Spurred by an entrepreneurial side, Woudt founded 1605 Collective: a platform and imprint showcasing like-minded artists—both established and emerging—through books, an annual magazine and an online space. By way of portfolio highlights, curated edits and insights, he shares his ever-expanding visual universe while nurturing talent. Purpose and self-discovery are crucial facets of Woudt’s practice, who finds inspiration in both. His commitment to philanthropy shines through in efforts for the Marie-Stella-Maris Foundation, Amsterdam Dinner Foundation and Orange Babies—which helped support drinking water projects in the Ugandan countryside and raise substantial funds to combat HIV and AIDS. In a quest to broaden his creative horizon, Woudt explores the potential of psychedelics and artificial intelligence, expanding the scope of his artistic expression.
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ABOUT WILLAS CONTEMPORARY
Founded as a gallery in 2015, WILLAS contemporary is dedicated to showcasing innovative contemporary photography that challenges perceptions and sparks meaningful conversations. Our journey began in 2006 with curated pop-up exhibitions featuring many of the artists we still work with today. Our mission is to support and promote artists who push the boundaries of photography, creativity and expression. We provide a platform for both emerging and established artists to present their work in an environment that encourages dialogue and exploration. WILLAS contemporary was founded by Ellen K Willas, with a vision to create dynamic encounters for artists, art lovers, and collectors. With a background in international finance, Ellen has dedicated her career to supporting artists and bringing their visions to life. Our main space, located in the historic Tändstickspalatset in the heart of Stockholm, offers a versatile setting for exhibitions and events. The Oslo showroom, situated in the CBD and open by appointment only, provides an environment for private viewings. We collaborate with a broad range of museums and art spaces internationally. Please contact us for more information about specific artworks, our exhibitions and artists, or to schedule a private viewing.