Micky Hoogendijk

Pure Imagination
Thu Aug 3, 2017 - Thu Sep 7, 2017

Women & Their Work presents the national debut of Dutch photographer, Micky Hoogendijk’s, first photo book, Through the Eyes of Others, alongside her solo exhibition, Pure Imagination. In her exhibition, Hoogendijk, now living in LA, presents portraiture reflecting the concealed vulnerability and beauty of her subjects. Her work is characterized by sharp iconic images that reveal the power of naked emotion and vulnerability through innovative printing technologies to create images with depth and richness. She questions existence and life by exploring themes such as religion, daily life, androgyny, and mythology.

In Pure Imagination, Hoogendijk creates dreamlike portraits that spring from her celebration of the creative power of the imagination. Imagine how things could have been and they are there, as long as you believe. Despite the struggles and unexpected tragedies of life for which we are often unprepared by the myths imparted to us in childhood play, Hoogendijk draws inspiration from a treasured dollhouse and the music from “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” These lyrics from the film encapsulate her aesthetic as a photographer:

“There is no
Life I know
To compare with pure imagination”

Born in Amsterdam in 1970, Hoogendijk grew up immersed in an international environment of art; surrounded by artists, art dealers, theater makers, actors, and dancers. She comes from an art family and spent years in front of the camera as an actress and model. She has also been the wife and business partner of postmodern artist Rob Scholte and creative director of Supperclub.

In 2009, Micky Hoogendijk received a last gift from her ailing mother: a professional still camera which would change the direction of her career. By 2010, living and working again in Los Angeles, Hoogendijk developed her interest in artistic portraiture.

Influenced by the Old Dutch masters such as Vermeer and Rembrandt, Hoogendijk incorporates technology to create theatrical portraits.

Hoogendijk has been showcased at exhibitions in Austin, Bogota, Cologne, Houston, Istanbul, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Santa Fe, Tokyo, Amsterdam, and Washington.

 

top image:  Dream Girl, Archival Dye Infused Print on Aluminum, 39.4 x 26.4 inches, 2016