Cara Louwman (The Netherlands, 1967) is a contemporary fine art photographer specialized in creating images that tells a story. She uses photography as a mean to stage an idea and to present new perspectives on contemporary subjects. Her photographs are characterized by the use of multiple layers, both literally and figuratively.
A recurring source of inspiration are cabinets of curiosities. At this moment, Cara is particular interested in what it means to have roots and how to bring her family history into her own life. Furthermore, she is collecting memories by photographing them.
In July 2017, she has completed her study Photographic Design at the University of Applied Photography (Fotovakschool). Subsequently, she was selected to participate in a one-year BredaPhoto MasterClass Course by Jan Rosseel. Followed by the postacademic programs Photobook: from image to publication by Niels Stomps and Story development and impact by Jenny Smets at the Fotoacademie.
Cara's photographs have won several awards, including category winner for her series ROOTING at Siena Creative Photo Award 2020, Book Photographer of the Year 2020 for her book ROOTING at MIFA Moscow International Photo Awards, gold and first place for her series Wonder Room at TIFA Tokyo International Foto Awards 2019.
Further, her photographs have been exhibited at Frauen Museum Wiesbaden (2023), Galerie de Ploegh (2021-2023), Dutch Innovation Days (April 2022), Siena Creative Photo Awards (October-November 2020), GUP NEW Dutch Photography Talent (December 2019), Atlas of Humanity in Galerie Joseph le Marais in Paris (November 2019), Anima Mundi Festival during Venice Art Biennale (October-November 2019), BredaPhoto Festival (September-October 2018), ZomerExpo in Museum de Fundatie (May-August 2017) and Kamp Amersfoort (2015-2020).
Her book ROOTING is included in the collections of the Rijksmuseum, Nederlands Fotomuseum and Royal Library.