The photographer Steef Zoetmulder (1911-2004) is a key figure in post-war Dutch art photography who became known for his creative depictions of everyday reality. Unusual structures and patterns, emphasised by unexpected perspectives, lighting, and cutouts are characteristic of his work. From Saturday 2 September, Kunsthal Rotterdam will be presenting the exhibition ‘Steef Zoetmulder’, compiled from the collection of Leiden University Libraries (Universitaire Bibliotheken Leiden, UBL). Over fifty vintage prints, created by Zoetmulder himself, will be shown to the public for the very first time at the Kunsthal: iconic Rotterdam buildings, still lifes, portraits, and abstract compositions.

Steef Zoetmulder grew up during the Interbellum. Inspired by photographers like Piet Zwart, Gerrit Kiljan, and Jan Kamman, he subscribed to the basic principles of New Photography.  This photographic movement focused on realistic depictions of the subject matter. Later on, Zoetmulder developed a visual language of his own that was related to Subjective Photography, in which form was considered more important than documenting the subject matter. In his increasingly abstract work, Zoetmulder experimented with different ways of cropping the image, lighting techniques, perspectives, and compositions. 

Versatile oeuvre 

After the Second World War, Zoetmulder focused on publicity and advertising photography, although fashion, industry and trade were also themes that regularly appeared in front of his lens. Especially for this exhibition, fifty original prints were selected by Maartje van den Heuvel, curator of photography at Leiden University Libraries’ Special Collections. On the basis of different themes, the visitors are introduced to Zoetmulder’s versatile oeuvre,

Collaboration 

The exhibition 'Steef Zoetmulder’ was realised in collaboration with Universitaire Bibliotheken Leiden (UB Leiden, Leiden University Libraries). Steef Zoetmulder’s core collection could recently be acquired by UB Leiden thanks to the support of Vereniging Rembrandt (including a gift from The School of Life Amsterdam), the Mondriaan Fund, and Friends of UB Leiden.

Steef Zoetmulder, Zelfportret, 1945 Ontwikkelgelatinezilverdruk, 44,5 x 33,1 cm Universitaire Bibliotheken Leiden

Partners

Exhibition partners

About your visit

Booking an online ticket in advance is mandatory for everyone, including visitors with a Museumkaart, Rotterdampas, or VriendenLoterij VIP Card. This way, you are guaranteed admission and we can ensure that your visit is as pleasant as possible.

Book your start timePlan your visit

Frequently Asked Questions

Skip list

  • The Kunsthal is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00 hrs. The Kunsthal Café opens half an hour earlier, so you can visit from 9:30 hrs until half an hour after closing time. Check the current opening hours.

  • Yes, you need to book a ticket with a start time in advance. This also applies if you have a Museum card, Rotterdam pass, or VriendenLoterij VIP Card. This way, you are guaranteed admission and we can ensure that your visit is as pleasant as possible. Book your start time.

  • Yes, with an online ticket, you can visit all the exhibitions that are on display on the date of your visit. You can also stay as long as you like. You are welcome at the Kunsthal from your designated start time until closing time. Book your start time.

  • In de Kunsthal Rotterdam zijn altijd meerdere wisselende en contrastrijke tentoonstellingen tegelijk te zien. Een volledig overzicht van alle actuele tentoonstellingen vind je op de tentoonstellingspagina.

All Frequently Asked Questions