MONOCHROME MEETS MUSIC WITH BASTIAAN WOUDT

words by VERONICA TLAPANCO SZABÓ

If you thought photography and electronic music were worlds apart, think again! The Leica Gallery Amsterdam is back this year to celebrate the connection between ADE and the art of photography. And this time, it is none other than acclaimed art photographer, Bastiaan Woudt, that’s in the limelight. Woudt’s Leica-made series aims at capturing the essence of some of the leading artists in electronic music with his signature striking and impossibly elegant black-and-white style. Think monochrome contrasts and shadows that flirt with the frame, thus making his work simultaneously abstract and sharp. And while his career only began in 2011, Woudt has swiftly become an internationally celebrated photographer and published photobooks like Karawan, Mukono, and Peak, all while seeing his work join the permanent collection of the Rijksmuseum.

image courtesy of LEICA GALLERY AMSTERDAM X ADE 

But the exhibition isn’t just about the stars of today, it also casts a curious eye toward the future. A special series features young, talented students from the Conservatory of Haarlem, so we couldn’t help but wonder: could these be the world-famous DJs of tomorrow? Find out on 23 October from 19:00–21:00, in an evening where you can meet the maestro himself, as Woudt will host an artist talk accompanied by beats from the highlighted students. Making it the perfect chance to hear the stories behind the portraits and feel the pulse of the next generation.

images courtesy of LEICA GALLERY AMSTERDAM X ADE 

The exhibition runs from 26 September to 30 November 2025, whether you’re a photography enthusiast, an ADE devotee,​​or anyone eager to see how genius takes shape, Portraits of Music is not to be missed.