SHADOWS OF PEACE by Eddy van Wessel

Leica Gallery Amsterdam is honored to host the compelling photography of award-winning photojournalist Eddy van Wessel. Renowned for his raw and evocative black-and-white imagery, Van Wessel’s work offers an unflinching look at life in the midst of conflict. Shadows of Peace presents a curated collection of his most powerful photographs, spanning decades of work in war zones across the globe.

Capturing the Human Cost of War Through Photography

Eddy van Wessel, born in the Netherlands in 1965, began his career as a commercial photographer before pursuing his calling as a conflict photojournalist. Over the years, his work has been published in leading international outlets, including Stern, Paris Match, Le Monde 2, and The Washington Post Magazine. His photographic journey has taken him to war-torn regions such as the Balkans, Chechnya, Iraq, Syria, and Ukraine, where he captures the human cost of war with remarkable depth and sensitivity.

Capturing Survival, Loss & Resilience

Van Wessel’s black-and-white photography is recognized for its visceral, graphic quality and panoramic scope. Each image tells a story of survival, loss, and resilience, preserving fleeting moments for the historical record. His approach combines emotional depth with oppressive detail, delivering photographs that resonate long after the first viewing.

Award-Winning War Photographer & Storyteller

Among his many accolades, Eddy van Wessel is the only photographer to have won the prestigious Silver Camera award four times, most recently in 2022 for his series Ruins for Freedom, documenting the devastation in the Ukrainian town of Bakhmut. His works also include the acclaimed series Sinjar in the Battle for Highway 47 and Het Laatste Bolwerk, which captured the fall of Islamic State’s last stronghold in Syria.

Human spirit amid unimaginable hardship

Shadows of Peace invites viewers to witness the realities of war and its impact on individuals and communities. The exhibition highlights Van Wessel’s most significant series, showcasing his dedication to documenting history through his personal and empathetic lens. Each photograph offers a window into the resilience of the human spirit amid unimaginable hardship. Step into the Leica Gallery and experience the profound work of Eddy van Wessel, where each photograph is a testament to the enduring power of visual storytelling.

Eddy van Wessel - Shadows of Peace @ Leica Gallery Amsterdam

The impressive exhibition Shadows of Peace by Eddy van Wessel at the Leica Gallery Amsterdam. This award-winning documentary photographer takes you on a journey through gripping stories from conflict zones, where hope and humanity continue to shine amidst chaos. Experience the power of photography that reveals the depth of our world.