One of the core philosophies of Icicle – “Made on Earth” – has also been one of the constant themes and focuses in Robert van der Hilst’s photographs throughout the past fifty years. Robert’s photographs have always been predominantly about the earth, the planet, and the people that inhabit our globe. This is where Icicle and the photographs of Robert van der Hilst meet. Like the natural dyes and fabrics used in Icicle clothing, Robert’s colorful spectrum of photographs breathe with the details of life and various cultures and habitations around the planet.
From a vagabond’s hands in 1962 in Spain to a study of two men’s hands in Hangzhou in 2009, this exhibition invites us to be transported in time and space with a photographer that has dedicated his life to capturing and depicting the human spirit and condition across cultures. Van der Hilst’s camera has always been his greatest tool of communication and connection while exploring and documenting the world around him. As a visual artist, Robert uses his photographs as a form of language to connect and communicate with us his viewers.
Across all seven continents in different landscapes and across multiple decades, Robert van der Hilst has photographed people all over the world. What are the common themes of humanity he has immortalized in his colorful photographs? What do we see in the frozen memory of each of his subjects gazing back at us? Who are these characters? What cultures and environments are they coming from? Robert’s photographs may each only tell a split second of these lives and histories, but through these photographs Van der Hilst tells the story of our world: a Timeless World.
A special thanks must also be given to Icicle Space and in particular to Mr. Ye, Shawna, and Yaqun for their great passion and spirit and for having the vision and dedication to bring art, books, photography, and culture to the Icicle community and public. Through art, community, and culture, we truly can connect with the world: 天人合一 。
Steven Harris Director
Steven Harris Director is the director of M97 Shanghai Gallery in Shanghai, China.
Robert van der Hilst, Timeless world
Through February 26, 2017
ICICLE Art Space
2570 Hechuan Road (Near Yishan Road)
Shanghai
China
