Dutch Talent Project Grants

We are delighted to announce the winners of the Rotterdam Photo 2025 Amarte Dutch Talent Project Grants: Peter Pflügler, Tyler Chan, Sean Charlton White, Nosh Neneh, Jet.

These five talented artists will each receive a €3,000 stipend to develop their ongoing projects into “work in progress” exhibitions. They will collaborate with curator Mira Matic to create a unique group exhibition, which will be showcased during the Rotterdam Photo 2025 edition (May 22 – June 1). Throughout the process, winners will benefit from coaching, technical support, and assistance in organizing their final presentations.

We look forward to seeing their innovative photographic projects come to life at Rotterdam Photo 2025, exploring the theme “Shared/Connected”.

To find more information about each photographer, please refer to the Jury report, which provides detailed insights into their work and the selection process.

Jury report

 

Nosh Neneh

Climate | Nature | Coral | Colour photography

 

 

We are thrilled to feature Neon Warning at Rotterdam Photo 2024 for its profound and evocative response to this year’s theme, Shared/Connected. The project sheds light on the striking phenomenon of coral bleaching, where coral reefs burst into radiant neon hues as a desperate, last-ditch survival strategy under extreme ecological stress. This vivid display serves as a stark metaphor for the fragile resilience of these ecosystems, which are being pushed to their limits by climate change and human exploitation.

Through innovative use of materials like biolatex and steel, combined with bold experiments in UV photo printing and organic forms, the artist creates an immersive experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional photography. These elements not only echo the intricate, interconnected nature of coral reefs, but also ignite an urgent call to action. The biolatex panels, designed to emulate the complex structures of coral, offer a tactile, sensory journey—inviting viewers to pause and consider the vulnerability of these ecosystems and the shared responsibility we bear for their survival.

At Rotterdam Photo, Nosh will continue to push the boundaries of Neon Warning, exploring new photo-printing techniques on biolatex and reimagining the designs of the steel installations. By showcasing this project, we aim to amplify awareness of how climate change and privatization are endangering our shared natural resources. Coral reefs, with their intricate ties to marine life and human communities alike, serve as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to join forces in building a sustainable future.

Instagram: noshneneh

 

Jet Siemons

Folklore | Mythical heritage | Nature & spirituality | Black/white Photography

 

 

The Search for the Invisible Women has been selected for Rotterdam Photo 2024 for its extraordinary ability to revive the hidden folklore and lost mystical heritage of the Netherlands. The project beautifully explores the theme Shared/Connected through its quest to uncover the Witte Wieven—mythical women and wise spirits once woven into local rituals and belief systems, whose stories have faded with time.

Jet’s ongoing research into these enigmatic Witte Wieven—combining photography with fieldwork and other investigative techniques—shines a light on these overlooked Dutch mythical figures. Her work invites viewers into a world where nature and spirituality were once deeply intertwined.

The Search for the Invisible Women captivates by transporting us to an era when these forgotten voices resonated in harmony with nature. By breathing life back into these tales, the project offers a powerful reflection on how ancient stories and rituals can still inspire and connect us, even in an age ruled by logic and speed. Beyond giving a voice to the Witte Wieven, the project underscores the value of remembering and honoring our shared cultural heritage and its relevance for shaping the future.

Instagram: jetsiemons

 

Sean Charlton White

Climate crisis | Politics | Colour photography

 

 

Climate Banter in Sunburnt Cities is a bold and thought-provoking choice for Rotterdam Photo 2024, tackling one of the most pressing issues of our time: the climate crisis and the paradoxical role of global climate conferences. With a sharp wit and a critical lens, the project zooms in on the Green Zone at COP conferences—spaces where the financial interests of governments and private corporations often take center stage. In contrast to the exclusive Blue Zone, reserved for accredited delegates like country representatives, NGOs, and journalists, the Green Zone is open to the public and businesses, creating a unique but often contradictory stage for climate dialogue.

Sean’s ongoing work offers a refreshing take on these climate gatherings, highlighting the absurdity of hosting such events in petro-states like the UAE or Azerbaijan, where fossil fuels dominate the economy. The project raises critical questions about the true impact of these conferences, shedding light on the role of economic power in shaping climate solutions.

Perfectly aligned with the festival’s theme, Shared/Connected, Climate Banter in Sunburnt Cities explores the intricate dynamics between public and private actors influencing global climate policy. By exposing the tension between shared responsibility and the sway of financial interests, the project challenges audiences to think critically about the intentions and outcomes of these high-profile events—and to reflect on the future of our shared resources.

Instagram: sean.cw

 

Peter Pflügler

Family history | Archive work & new work | Black/white photography

 

 

HANS – or – Don’t bury me in the grave of my father is an evocative and deeply personal project selected for Rotterdam Photo 2024, peeling back the layers of family legacy, identity, and untold trauma. Through a poignant blend of archival self- portraits and contemporary photography, Peter dives into the life of his uncle Hans, whose enigmatic imagery and hidden stories become the catalyst for an introspective journey. As Peter revisits Hans’ extensive archive, he uncovers forgotten aspects of Hans’ life that unexpectedly mirror his own.

This unfolding project aligns beautifully with the festival’s theme, Shared/Connected, by exploring how unspoken grief, generational trauma and suppressed histories create invisible threads that bind us to those who came before. With his camera, Peter breathes new life into Hans’ story, transforming private pain into a shared reckoning and showcasing the enduring ability of photography to transcend time.

HANS – or – Don’t bury me in the grave of my father challenges viewers to confront the forgotten or silenced voices within their own families. It explores how memory and identity ripple through generations, weaving a tapestry of connection that is both fragile and profound.

Instagram: peter.pflugler

 

Tyler Chan

Chinese | Identity | Portrait | Documentary | Ongoing series

 

 

Tyler’s work is a poignant tribute to the intricate dance between heritage and family, making it a standout choice for Rotterdam Photo Festival. Drawing from his Chinese roots, he beautifully illuminates the fragile yet unbreakable ties between memory, identity, and legacy. Through the artful intimacy of self-portraiture, Tyler crafts a visually poetic journey, weaving the threads of his past into a narrative that resonates far beyond his own experience. Each image feels like a quiet conversation—an invitation for viewers to reconnect with the echoes of their own family stories.

The self-portraits serve as a powerful visual language to explore shared connection and the preservation of heritage, aligning seamlessly with the theme Shared/Connected. This series speaks to the enduring significance of memory, the bonds of family, and the cultural ties that often fade into obscurity, yet remain vital to shaping a collective narrative.

Instagram: profdaydreamer