Taste
Art photographer Bastiaan Woudt turns his lens to a special mission
Art photographer Bastiaan Woudt turns his lens to a special mission this time. With his latest photo book Champions and the eponymous solo exhibition at Bildhalle Amsterdam, he celebrates the 25th anniversary of Orange Babies and the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS.
This time, art photographer Bastiaan Woudt focuses his lens on a special mission. With his latest photo book Champions, and the solo exhibition of the same name in Bildhalle Amsterdam, he not only celebrates the 25th anniversary of Orange Babies, but also the unyielding fight against HIV/AIDS.
'Champions' is a series of striking black and white images photographed in Zambia, realized in close collaboration with Orange Babies. The project emphasizes the resilience and hope of young adults who fight HIV/AIDS and strive for a better future in their communities. Through Woudt's lens, the struggle and triumph of these individuals are captured in both portraits and landscapes.
''With my lens I wanted to transform these young people into heroes, warriors, kings and queens''
“The heart of my project ‘Champions’ lies in Zambia, where I photographed a group of young adults who act as ‘Champions’ in their communities,” Woudt explains. “These young, powerful individuals play a crucial role in spreading awareness and information about HIV and creating safe spaces for their peers to discuss essential topics such as sex education. Through my lens, I wanted to transform these young people into heroes, warriors, kings and queens – a visual representation of their indispensable role in the fight against HIV and AIDS.”
With his collaboration with Orange Babies, the photographer not only wanted to raise awareness, but also actively contribute to the fight against HIV and AIDS. For example, he donated 45 works to the foundation, worth more than €195.000. During a special exhibition on World AIDS Day, on December 1, 2023, more than €120.000 was raised, the proceeds of which went to Orange Babies. From this year on, the Champions works can be purchased worldwide through Woudt's galleries, with 10% of the proceeds being permanently donated to Orange Babies.
Solo exhibition
From October 24 to the end of January 2025, the solo exhibition Champions in Bildhalle Amsterdam. Here 20 of the impressive black and white portraits are shown, selected by curator Mirjam Cavegn.
