This picture shows a view of the harsh reality in today’s world in which polarisation and manipulation are central.
At the top of the picture sits a powerful figure, recognisable by his symbolic red-blue ribbon. His pierced look shows superiority, while he keeps the strings of the puppet representing the people subtly tight in his hands. He has divided his subjects in two groups : red and blue, of which one group is privileged by him so they will never turn against him together.
In the meantime supporters of red and blue are facing each other on the bottom of the picture.
Carine Van Gerven (b. 1966) studied art and painting. Connecting people through art and creating projects is one of her goals.
After her graduation, she became an art teacher in a secondary art school in Overpelt, Belgium. As an artist, she organised several projects and participated in many exhibitions in Belgium and France.
Over the years, photography became her language to express herself. She tells today’s stories in a historical outlook. In 2017 she founded the acclaimed photo festival ‘Lens op de Mens’ in Overpelt, where she now is the coordinator and creative lead.
Awards - 6 times selection Belgian team World Photographic Cup
- Funeral award: art
- Official selection London creative competition 2021
- Selection Impact Oudenburg 2021
- FEP 3 merit awards 2020
- Bourbon Lancy selection Photofestival
- FEP 1 merit award 2021
- Siena creative Photoawards commended 2021
- TIFA 2021 bronze winner
- FEP awards finalist 2022
- LICC 2022 official selection
- Siena creative Photo awards 2022 commended
- PX3 Bronze winner
- BIFA 2022 honorable mention
- Refocus award World Photo Annual: Honorable mention
- LICC 2023 shortlist
- BIFA 2023 Honorable Mention
- One Eyeland Phography award: Silver
