The Masterclass by Erik Kessels at LABASAD on how to transform found photography into unique visual narratives
Erik Kessels, artist, curator, and instructor in LABASAD's Online Master in New Documentary Photography, shares his unique vision and creative process for transforming found photographs into powerful visual narratives.
This past 11 February, we had the pleasure of hosting the Masterclass “Storytelling with Found Photography”, led by Erik Kessels, an artist, curator, and communication designer with a profound interest in photography. In this unique session, Erik Kessels shared his innovative perspective on vernacular photography, a field in which he has been an undisputed authority for over 20 years.
Rather than capturing new images, Erik’s practice revolves around repurposing pre-existing photographs, reorganising and recontextualising them to craft his own visual mosaic. His approach, free from cameras and lenses, transforms photography into a medium ready to be recycled and reimagined. By doing so, he creates a dynamic ecosystem of images, not by adding to the overwhelming flood of photographs saturating the world today, but by retrieving and granting fresh meanings to what already exists.
The Masterclass delved deeply into the role of images in our contemporary society, inviting participants to critically explore the way we engage with them. Beyond merely consuming photographs, Erik encouraged attendees to look at them with a more profound and analytical perspective, discovering the hidden narratives that lie within.
Since 1996, Erik Kessels has been the creative partner of the renowned agency KesselsKramer, based in Amsterdam and London. Over the years, he has published more than 90 books featuring re-appropriated imagery, including the internationally acclaimed bestseller Failed It!. His teaching credentials span prestigious art academies in cities such as Amsterdam, Milan, Toronto, Lausanne, and Düsseldorf.
Kessels has also curated and exhibited iconic projects, including Loving Your Pictures, Mother Nature, 24HRS in Photos, Album Beauty, and Unfinished Father. He is currently working on Europe Archive, a significant European project aimed at preserving cultural narratives through imagery.
Erik’s exceptional contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the Amsterdam Art Prize in 2010 and a nomination for the Deutsche Börse Photography Prize in 2016. His retrospectives have been showcased in global cities such as Turin, Düsseldorf, Rotterdam, Budapest, and San Francisco.
Described by Time Magazine as a “visual sorcerer” and by Vogue Italia as a “modern anthropologist,” Erik Kessels is celebrated for his unique ability to transform mundane imagery into thought-provoking art.
Erik is also an instructor in our Online Master in New Documentary Photography, where he shares his expertise and insights directly with our students, inspiring them to develop their own unique voices in the field.
The Masterclass was an inspiring journey into the creative world of Erik Kessels, where he unravelled his process of transforming found photography into compelling stories. Erik began by discussing his philosophy, explaining how existing images, often overlooked or discarded, can become powerful storytelling tools when given a new context. He shared anecdotes from his extensive career, offering participants an intimate look at his creative process. Through vivid examples, Erik demonstrated how to repurpose and curate photography in ways that breathe new life into forgotten or mundane imagery.
During the session, Erik also shared valuable reflections on what it means to be a creative professional. “When you think, I want to be a successful this, a successful that, an artist or whatever, it doesn’t work. You need to be passionate about many, many things, and be relentless and work a lot, and make a lot. And then, if that is your thing, know for sure that somebody will knock at your door and say, Wait a minute, we want to do something with you. There is no formula for success,” Erik explained, encouraging participants to focus on their passions rather than predefined goals.
He also addressed the insecurities that often accompany the creative process, noting:
“It’s normal to feel uncertain when you’re working on something; it’s a natural part of the process. But that’s not a bad thing. In fact, I believe fear can be a good sign, as long as you keep creating and pursuing what you’re passionate about, even if no one else sees it. After all, that’s the true purpose of being creative.”
Erik emphasised the importance of persistence and passion in creativity, sharing that:
“When your passion comes first, at one point or another, the fear is gone.”
If you’ve ever been curious about the untapped potential of found photography, this Masterclass ignited creativity and changed the way attendees think about images forever. Erik Kessels’ innovative techniques and wealth of experience inspired designers, artists, and storytellers alike.
Missed the live event? Don’t worry! The recording of “Storytelling with Found Photography” is available on our YouTube channel. In it, you’ll discover Erik’s visionary approach, his sources of inspiration, and invaluable advice on transforming existing imagery into compelling stories.
For more information about our Online Master in New Documentary Photography, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]. Take the next step in your creative journey with LABASAD.