Below is an article written by Joop van Haaften for my exhibition at Artishock in 2007

Artishock exhibitor during the month of October is Jaap van Eekelen from Amersfoort. His photo collages feature the human body as a subject, both in the foreground and in the background details. His artistic handwriting developed from a synthesis of his hobby photography and his fascination with the human nude.

An important background is the fact that Van Eekelen has been a practicing naturist for many years.

The born and raised Amersfoorter Van Eekelen (55) has been drawing and sketching from a young age.
He works as a planner at NS Reizigers.
During his mechanical engineering education and activities, there were moments when he could not resist his creative impulses. Models, molds, and other three-dimensional forms constantly challenged him to experiment artistically in his free time.

Photography is his passion. At the age of 22, he bought his first DSLR camera.
Fifteen years ago, the formula for his artworks broke through: collages of photographic images with one or more nude models in the foreground against a background of body details of those same model(s).

For each work, he takes about 72 shots: one half to choose human figures for the foreground and the other half for the background details. Literally cutting and pasting the prints has not been necessary for years.
The PC program Photoshop offers better tools with additional possibilities.

Finding models is not easy.
Especially with young people, who still have to build their careers, there is a reluctance to be recognized.

Van Eekelen: 'If desired, I photograph unrecognizably. Above all, it is important to create a safe and familiar atmosphere.
Photographing at the model's home contributes to that.' For his first collages, he posed himself

After an article in the magazine Naturisme in February 2001, he managed to bind about six models – mostly naturists – to himself.
Van Eekelen: 'Naturists know from experience that being naked together makes one vulnerable and invites careful and respectful behavior towards each other.
The differences disappear, and there is no need to maintain a facade.' For years, he thought he was the only one who found his work beautiful. Until a physiotherapist from Gooise invited him to exhibit his work in her practice.

He exhibited, among other places, in 'Kerk en Wereld' in Driebergen and participated in Staalkaart Amersfoort and the Artishock Art Market on Queen's Day.

PS. I have since exhibited in more places (see the site) and also had several publications, including in the Yearbook of Artists 2021