One Way to Holland
18 June 2010 to 3 October 2010
Photos by Leonard Freed, 1958-1962
He was known as the Concerned Photographer, because of his involvement in social issues. He wanted the viewer to think about what was happening. American Magnum photographer Leonard Freed (1929-2006) lived in Amsterdam between 1957 and 1970, where his circle of friends included artists such as Schinkichi Tajiri, Karel Appel, Simon Vinkenoog and Ed van der Elsken.
In the Netherlands, Freed made a series of photographs of émigrés from Indonesia’s Moluccan islands and Indo-European families who moved to Holland after Indonesian independence. Here amid the Dutch polders they had to build up an entirely new life.
Freed recorded their arrival in Holland, living with relatives, their daily routine and work. His pictures show them meeting local residents, whose attitude to the newcomers could be open and receptive, though also more reticent. Gripping and occasionally moving images.
In the Netherlands, Freed always felt like an outsider. This may explain his empathy for others whom he perceived to be in a similar position. Freed revealed himself a sympathetic visual narrator. His photos balance between beauty and everyday reality, with the focus on people.
His work appeared in magazines such as Life, Paris Match and Die Zeit. In 1972, Freed became a full member of the Magnum Photos cooperative, where his incisive photos made an indelible impression.
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