Van De Straat (upcoming)

“From The Street”

A person in a hoodie is spray painting graffiti on a concrete wall at night under streetlights. The graffiti spells out "ALMAAR" in bold, stylized letters. The scene is illuminated by a few streetlights along the road.

A person captured mid-air while performing a parkour jump between buildings in an urban setting. Another person on a low wall enthusiastically watches the jump. Bicycles are parked along the sidewalk, and there are flowering trees lining the street.

A person in a hoodie crouches in front of a graffitied wall at the end of a dark, narrow pathway flanked by tall hedges. The scene is dimly lit, casting long shadows.

A person skateboards in mid-air between two metal railings on a brick slope in an urban area with large buildings and trees. The sky is clear and sunny, casting shadows on the ground. A bystander can be seen capturing the moment with a camera.

Four young men are gathered outdoors, standing around a graffitied trash can with a peace sign and smiley face. One is shirtless, two others have their hands near their faces, and the fourth is looking at a device in his hands. There are trees in the background.

About this project

Discover the Beauty of Street Culture with “From the Street”

“It keeps you off the streets,” a saying we all know, but what if the streets are actually a source of beauty and connection? The project “From the Street” showcases the hidden splendor of street culture through the lens of youth who find their identity here.

In this documentary photo reportage, we explore the world of young people who find their movement, joy, and connection on the streets. From skateboarding and freerunning to graffiti artists, each subculture has its own norms, values, and dreams. These young individuals form unique communities and deserve to be highlighted and better understood.

Following successful projects such as “Stay-at-Home Residents,” which connected the Alkmaar community through stories and portraits, Alkmaar photographer Rick Akkerman now broadens his horizon to the street cultures of youth. “From the Street” captures what drives these subcultures and offers an in-depth look at their lifestyles, motivations, and the social aspects of their activities.

Open call….

Quite a few photos still need to be taken for this new project and the final exhibition. Are you the one who sees all obstacles on the street as a parkour/freerun exercise? Are you that guy who goes out to put cool tags or a big piece on the walls?

Do you recognize yourself in this or do you know friends who would enjoy working on this project? I’d love to come by and have a chat and take some cool photos.

Please leave a message on the contact form.

September

The closing exhibition

With “From the Street,” we dive into a world full of diversity, well-being, art, and culture. The audiovisual photo exhibition in the outdoor space invites you to become curious about the stories behind these subcultures and to foster greater understanding of the young people who call the streets their home.

Experience street culture like never before and discover what drives these young individuals. Connection, personal development, and the beauty of the streets are central to this refreshing reportage. Come and be inspired by the world of “From the Street.”

Join the project “From the Street” and see the streets through new eyes.

Facts:

2024 | September 27th till 27th of October | Canadaplein | Alkmaar, Netherlands

This project is made possible by:

Gemeente Alkmaar | TAQA Theater De Vest | Grote Kerk Alkmaar | Nina-Tekst | Skatepark STRAAT!

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