Carla Kogelman: A Closer Look
From 17 July 2026
Discover Carla Kogelman’s black-and-white photography and the personal stories behind her remarkable images. Carla Kogelman, a photographer from Amersfoort, observes with care and without judgement. She takes her time and gets up close. This results in images in which people reveal themselves as they truly are.
“I want to show people as they are, not as they think they should be.”
Carla Kogelman: A Closer Look
Amersfoort-based photographer Carla Kogelman observes with attention and without judgement. She takes her time and
gets up close. This results in images in which people reveal themselves as they are.
Her black-and-white photography amplifies what you see. Free from distractions, you look straight to the heart of the matter. The photographs explore everyday life, love, freedom, vulnerability, family, loss and identity. These are familiar themes that touch the heart and make you reflect.
An overview of her work
From 13 February to 4 October 2026, Museum Amersfoort presents ‘Carla Kogelman: A Closer Look’, an overview of her work. You’ll see dozens of black-and-white portraits and stories from Amersfoort and far beyond.
Stories from people close to home
In the exhibition, you’ll meet Giulia, who dances at the Koppelpoort. Carla saw her during the pandemic, whilst she was looking after her ill brother. She wanted to take a photo, but at first just watched from the background. Eventually, she approached Giulia after all, and they got talking. That led to a series of photographs that meant a great deal to her, including the Zilveren Camera award.
You’ll also see mother Anne and daughter Karen Sitalsing. Carla followed them during an ordinary day. In the images, you can see how their relationship changes. The mother relies more and more on her daughter, whilst the daughter supports her mother with care and attention. Small moments show just how close care and love can be.
A story about connection and family
Another story is that of Lúa and Nandini. They met at an asylum seekers’ centre and decided they wanted to be sisters. They brought their parents closer together. Together they drank tea, cooked and got to know one another, whilst the girls played in the corridor. What began as an idea from two children grew into a family. Their parents started a relationship and eventually got married. The photo you see was taken at that moment. The story shows how children themselves can bring about change and how people grow closer to one another.
Listen to more with the audio tour
With the audio tour, you’ll hear not only the stories of the people in the photographs, but also those of others featured in the exhibition. You’ll hear from Carla Kogelman herself, a rugby coach, a taxidermist who stuffs animals, and a writer of a television series. Their stories add extra meaning to the images and encourage you to look at them with greater attention.
Carla Kogelman lives in Amersfoort, graduated from the Fotoacademie and has won, amongst other awards, the Zilveren Camera and a World Press Photo Award.
For young and old
Come along to see and experience it for yourselves. A look-and-do booklet is available
for children. In the Maak Mee Atelier, you can take your own photos and experiment. Do also check the calendar for workshops, guided tours and activities for all
ages.
Also on display in the Mannenzaal
Some of Carla Kogelman’s work is also on display in the Mannenzaal. In the four-part photo series A Doorstep Away, she follows residents and carers at the St. Pieters en Bloklands Gasthuis. This place used to be a nursing home, which adds an extra layer of meaning to the images on display here. The stories tie in with themes from the exhibition and show how care and attention remain important throughout the ages.
