Paul te Stroete: Beggin’ to see the light
11th March – 14th April 2023 in Café Bern
‘Beggin’ to see the light’ is the title of an exhibition of photographic work by Paul te Stroete (Zeddam, 1953), in Café Bern from 11 March to 14 April 2023. Fascinated by photography since always, that’s how Paul characterizes himself. The photos shown in Café Bern are certainly a shining example.
Paul te Stroete
Zeddam, 1953
The interest in photography was raised by Paul te Stroete at a young age: the first seed was planted when he was still a child and his father bought a (rather simple) camera. Apparently that seed sprouted and grew into a serious plant, because Paul saved and saved until -at the age of 12- he had enough money to buy a Yashica half-frame camera; all this to the discontent of his mother who dismissed photography as a much too expensive hobby.
Eleven years later he became the proud owner of a second-hand Leicaflex: it felt like an important next step in photography. But it would prove to be a bumpy road.
Later on, in the early ’80ies, Paul decided to become a professional photographer: he learned to work in the dark room in the ‘De Moor’ community center in the Bethaniënstraat.
The reality proved more difficult: as an assistant to photographer Han Singels you would go places, while on your way, you discussed the state of the world and the meaning of life. But financially it was not a great success: Han earned little and Paul hardly anything; on good days Han paid him 100 guilders and he always got sandwiches and coffee.
From 1994, photography came second: initially Paul worked for a graphic company and later in ICT. But since 2001 – Paul had become a father – he picked up photography once again and more and more frequently received commissions for reportage, portraits and for work in the magazine of the Bridge Association.
Paul sometimes had the idea he was a total failure in photography, at other times he thought he had made a sensitive cut of reality. In the end, it is up to the viewer to decide: the exhibition in Café Bern offers an overview of Paul’s work over the years.
©2024 by Café Bern