Bart Van Leeuwen

Bart van Leeuwen (February 5, 1950 – June 17, 2017) was a celebrated Dutch fashion photographer, portrait photographer, and visual artist, known for his unique blend of cinematic photography, film noir aesthetics, and neorealism. Born in Amsterdam, he began his photography career in 1967, publishing his first images at just 17. By 1969, he had graduated from the School for Professional Photography in The Hague and launched his freelance photography career in 1971.  

Van Leeuwen's editorial photography revolutionized the industry by merging documentary-style photography with high-end fashion photography, creating a spontaneous, narrative-driven approach. His work appeared in top fashion magazines such as Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, Cosmopolitan, The Sunday Times, and i-D, making him a sought-after editorial photographer. He also shot campaigns for major fashion brands, including Levi's, Agnès B, Harrods, Philips, and Volvo.  

Renowned for his celebrity portraits, van Leeuwen captured icons like Andy Warhol, Freddie Mercury, Grace Jones, Dizzy Gillespie, Giorgio Armani, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. His work extended to photographing Dutch celebrities, including Carice van Houten and Herman Brood. His ability to blend high fashion photography with street photography aesthetics set him apart in the industry.  

In 2012, he published his autobiographical novel "Nabelichting," followed by "Niets is Echt" in 2015, where he explored the philosophy of photography, reality, and artistic expression. Despite ending his career in 2005 due to a neuromuscular disorder, his legacy continues through his contributions to fine art photography, editorial photography, and advertising photography. His work remains in private collections, including those of Thierry Mugler and Christian Lacroix, as well as prestigious institutions like the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh.  

Bart van Leeuwen's timeless fashion photography, cinematic portraiture, and editorial storytelling continue to inspire fashion photographers, street photographers, and portrait artists worldwide. His visionary approach cemented him as one of the most influential figures in Dutch photography and international fashion photography.