Robert van der Molen

Robert van der Molen (1964) is a photographer.

Van der Molen meets Molenhuis

“The importance of Jacob Molenhuis’ photography has since been described as very valuable historically. It is mainly portraits made in the 1920s and 1930s in the Hogeland. His film material is kept in Spaarnestad. I myself went looking for people and descendants portrayed by Jacob Molenhuis or who knew him. I have photographed people who play a pivotal role in the area, but also people from the street. What is left of the old society, its legacy, its landscape and use. The Marne area re-imaged with a wink to that one photographer. I do this using analog technique. By using film and the way of film development I make timeless photos that can bridge the past and present. Portraits, landscapes and churches alternate and stories are told without words.
Where Jacob Molenhuis mainly worked on commission, I go out, alternating chance encounters with research and appointments to portray people. It is not my intention to copy his work. Inspired by Molenhuis, I want to put this area on the map again through the eyes of Robert van der Molen. My method, which always characterizes my photos, will sometimes have a chat with the Jacob Molenhuis. The exhibition Van der Molen meets Molenhuis is an end goal.”

About project 'Lucht'

The corona measures have hit the art sector enormously. Exhibitions and art grants have been canceled or postponed. It is an uncertain time for many artists. With the Lucht project, Kunstpunt Groningen wants to support artists and designers from the municipality of Groningen. 87 Groningen artists have received a stipend with which they have created new work, including Robert van der Molen. With a billboard exhibition from September 27 to October 17, we present all artists spread throughout the city of Groningen. View the work of the other artists here.