photo: Lurdes R. Basolí

JOHN CAZENAVE
Jon Cazenave (Spain, 1978) graduated in 2001 as an economist at the University of Deusto. Since 2007 he has been working on a long-term project about his Basque roots, reflected in all his work. Cazenave exhibited at the photo festivals Les Rencontres de la Photographie d’Arles, Photoespaña and the Tokyo International Photography Festival. Noorderlicht showed work by Cazenave at two Photo Festivals: in 2012 with the series ‘AMA LUR’ on ‘Terra Cognita’, last year with ‘UR AITZ’ during ‘IN VIVO | the nature of nature’.

What is your relationship with Noorderlicht?
“The first time I heard about Noorderlicht was in 2007. At that time, I was studying photography in Barcelona and I asked Pep Bonet about relevant photography festivals in Europe. Noorderlicht became a reference to understand the breadth and possibilities of documentary photography. My professional relation with Noorderlicht began in 2012 when my work ‘Ama Lur’ was selected to participate in the nineteenthedition ‘Terra Cognita’, curated by Wim Melis at the Museum Belvédère in Heerenveen. The exhibition layout in the museum was superb, but I was really impressed when I saw the wooden installation created outdoors. I also felt very pleased to be part of 2018 edition ‘IN VIVO | the nature of nature’, with a limited selection of artists and a really powerful exhibition proposal. So, yes indeed, I can sincerely say that Noorderlicht has become one of my very special connections in the world of photography and art.”

What was your favourite exhibition at Noorderlicht?
“I remember the show named ‘Closing In’, curated by Lauren Heinz in 2009. Lurdes R. Basolí, Adam Patterson, Vincent Delbrouck, Linda Forsell, Seba Kurtis and Wayne Liu were able to build a show to remember. I shared a couple of days with this super talented group of artists: I saw the way they were developing their works. The exhibition proposal they made had a great impact on my way of understanding how to create a collective show.”

What is your future dream for Noorderlicht?
“I would love the festival to keep on widening its approach to new ways of photography and to remain loyal to excellence. Go for it!”