RACSO Art Gallery is honored to host the American debut of famed Dutch-Colombian photographer Gertjan Bartelsman this month. “Beyond Photojournalism” is the most comprehensive exhibition of Bartelsman’s work and the first solo gallery exhibit for the American market. On view will be select works from four capsule collections: “Paisajes,” “Retratos,” “Urbes,” “Abstractors,” and pieces from “Reflejos de una Metropoli.” Presented in color and black and white, the exhibition spans five decades, thousands of miles, many subjects, and diverse composition styles. Opposites attract in his body of work, rural and urban landscapes are equally engaging in their abstract and figurative compositions as are the individuals as portraiture or in motion. The opening reception is Thursday, February 22, 2018 and the exhibition runs through March 10.

RACSO Art Gallery is the region’s leading dealer representing contemporary Latin American artists. Bartelsman has exhibited internationally and is pursued by private collectors and corporate collections alike. “We are honored that Gertjan Bartelsman has entrusted RACSO with the introduction of his first artistic collection in the United States - a collection curated by the artist from his photo archives, and his most recent artistic experiences,” remarked RACSO’s owner Oscar Villamil. He continued, “Bartelsman’s inspiration starts with his interaction with people and his unique views of their environments – exploring new ways of looking at subjects through his camera.”

Gertjan Bartelsman initiated his career as a photographer during the 1970’s working at different advertising agencies as a graphic and journalist reporter for important Colombian magazines including Cromos. Parallel to his commercial work Bartelsman pursued his artistic career by collaborating as a still photographer in Colombian films and participating in exhibitions around the world including three biennales in Venice, Italy, three Latin American symposiums in Mexico, and most recently at the International Center for Photography, New York.

Fascinated by the ever-changing world around him and the desire to capture the essence of a moment, Bartelsman developed as an artist merging different cultures, or cultural elements, with the emotion of a moment. His images function as a document of visual dialogs between the subject, the photographer and his audience. His collection “Reflejos de una Metropoli” (Reflections of a Metropolis) is a series of still images that document his travels in the metro system in Medellin, Colombia. His still images capture personal views that retain the “in-motion” character of his travels while integrating inanimate objects and live subjects.

Bartelsman’s capsule collections “Paisajes” and “Retratos” are a chronical of Colombia’s past and present, where he has carefully selected key artistic images generated during his early commercial career. In contrast, his recent work, “Urbe” and “Abstractos,” offer us images of his unique creative work as a photographer.

Through his lens, Bartelsman transforms synthetic into organic and natural settings become abstract and linear. This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to engage with the work of Gertjan Bartelsman.

Opening | Thursday, February 22, 2018 6:00-8:00PM at RACSO Art Gallery

1935 East Passyunk Avenue Philadelphia, Pa  215.735.3515

Exhibition Dates & Times
February 22 – March 10, 2018 
Monday & Tuesday 10:00AM-5:00PM  Wednesday through Friday 10:00AM-9:00PM | Saturday 4:00-9:00PM | Sunday by appointment at 215.735.3515

Through his lens, Bartelsman transforms synthetic into organic and natural settings become abstract and linear. This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to engage with the work of Gertjan Bartelsman.