About Maartje Roos
I grew up in a small village in Friesland, in the north of the Netherlands. Surrounded by wide landscapes, nature and a rich cultural history, I spent much of my childhood drawing and observing the world around me. I loved recreating what I saw, combining different elements and creating new scenes. Today, I work in much the same way, only my pencil has been replaced by a camera.
Photography became my artistic medium, but storytelling has always remained at the heart of my work. I create photographic artworks in which nature, landscape, history and identity come together. Every artwork begins with an idea. Through research, sketches and photography, I carefully collect the elements needed to build the image. I photograph everything myself and combine these elements into a new visual world where reality and imagination merge.
Painting with Photography
I use my camera like a painter uses a brush. Photography allows me to observe reality, but also to create my own visual representation. By combining different elements for meaning and composition, I build a new image. Light, historical subjects and carefully constructed scenes give my artworks a painterly quality. Sometimes my images feel surreal, while at other times they appear almost hyper-realistic. This balance between recognition and uncertainty creates a moment of hesitation, inviting the viewer to look longer and discover the story within the image. My work is inspired by the traditions of painting, but also by cultural history in a broader sense. Identity, nature and history are recurring themes throughout my work.
The process
An artwork can take weeks, months or even years to complete. After the initial idea, I research the subject and search for the right locations, objects, models, clothing, weather conditions and light. Every element is carefully considered before being photographed and composed into the final image. Time and space no longer limit the story I want to tell. Different moments, places and elements can come together in one artwork.
My work has been exhibited at leading Dutch art fairs, including PAN Amsterdam and KunstRAI, and is represented by Galerie De Roos van Tudor. My artworks can be found in private, corporate and museum collections.
Media & Interviews
Maartje Roos in the media. Here you can find interviews and videos about my work, exhibitions and creative process.
Background
Graduated cum laude from the Fotoacademie (Photo Academy) Groningen (2010)
ArtEZ University of the Arts (2006–2007)
Fotonica, Level 4 Photography & Film (2003–2006)
Before focusing on my autonomous work, I worked in editorial and commercial photography, including assignments for Dagblad van het Noorden, Leeuwarder Courant, advertising agency Work it Out and photo agency Hoge Noorden.
Fujifilm & Professional Memberships
I am an X-Photographer for Fujifilm Netherlands and work with the Fujifilm GFX100 II.
I am a member of DuPho – Dutch Photographers, the professional organisation for photographers in the Netherlands and BOK – a Dutch professional organisation for Dutch artists.
Selected Exhibitions, Awards & Recognition
2025
Artwork included in the group exhibition LENS+WATER
Stedelijk Museum Vianen, The Netherlands
PAN Amsterdam – Koster Fine Art Gallery
KunstRAI Amsterdam – Galerie De Roos van Tudor
2024
Artwork De zee vrij spel? Kwelder Sneek
Edition no. 01/07 – 200 × 112 cm
Acquired by the Municipality of Súdwest-Fryslân and included in the permanent collection of the Fries Scheepvaart Museum, The Netherlands
PAN Amsterdam – Koster Fine Art Gallery
KunstRAI Amsterdam – Galerie De Roos van Tudor
2023–2024
Solo exhibition WaterSpiegel
Fries Scheepvaart Museum, The Netherlands
2023
Artwork Anemone Coronaria
Included in the group exhibition Als de Dood
Museum Belvédère, The Netherlands
PAN Amsterdam – Koster Fine Art Gallery
KunstRAI Amsterdam – Galerie De Roos van Tudor
2022
PX3 Prix de la Photographie Paris – Gold Winner
Nature / Domestic Animals – 1st Place
PAN Amsterdam – Koster Fine Art Gallery
KunstRAI Amsterdam – Galerie De Roos van Tudor
Solo exhibition Cultureel Levend Erfgoed
Galerie De Roos van Tudor
2021
Fryske Talintpriis (Frisian Talent Award)
Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds Fryslân
PAN Amsterdam – Koster Fine Art
KunstRAI Amsterdam – Galerie De Roos van Tudor
2020
Represented by Eduard Planting Gallery, Amsterdam
Nominated – 13th Annual International Color Awards
Fine Art: Eartiids Earnewâld
Represented by Galerie De Roos van Tudor, Friesland
2019
Nominated – 12th Annual International Color Awards
Fine Art: Willem Lodewijk van Nassau
Solo exhibition Terug naar de toekomst
Het Langhuis, Zwolle
2018
Artwork Erpel, 1885 Nuenen presented at Vincentre Museum
(Vincent van Gogh heritage museum)
Solo exhibition Leeuwarden Lonkt
De Vier Pelikanen
2016
Nominated three times – 9th Annual Photography Masters Cup
Advertising: Kerst vier je samen!
Fine Art: Rietsnijders
Fine Art: Piano Man
2015
Member of the Dutch National Photographic Team
World Photographic Cup
Nominated – 8th Annual International Color Awards
Commercial: Efteling – Joris en de Draak
Landscape: Pavo Cristatus
2014
Exhibition Alive!
PHOTOVILLE, New York
Exhibition Keep on Dreaming
AmstelGallery, Amsterdam
Gallery Sirius, Tokyo
Nominated three times – 7th Annual Photography Masters Cup
2013
Selected for NEW Photo – Dutch Photography Talent
Exhibition Keep on Dreaming
PHOTOVILLE, New York
2012
Photography featured in Efteling 60th anniversary book
Are we there yet?
Exhibition Wonder of Woman
PHOTOVILLE, New York
Represented by Beeldagent
2011
Honourable Mention Theo Brandsmaprijs – Beeldende Kunst KEIK
Take5 Win Initiative
Presentation & exhibition, New York
Exhibition Dutch Delight
New York Photo Festival
2010
Talent of the Year 2010 – Photo News / Fotonieuws
Graduated cum laude
Fotoacademie Groningen
