Ben Christiani

We are pleased to introduce Ben Christiani, the chief organizer and the first cultural ambassador of Kasterlee. Ben is a pioneer who pushes the boundaries of photography as an art form.

Can you tell us more about your background and how your journey as a digital artist began?
"For my tenth birthday, I received a small plastic camera. That's when my interest in photography was sparked. With my savings, I kept buying better cameras. I loved developing photo and film rolls in my darkroom. After my photography training, I started working as an in-house photographer at Philips in Eindhoven. Because I also had a technical background, I made technical reports as well. In addition, I worked as a freelancer for a newspaper and did wedding photography. With the advent of the computer age, I switched to digital photography. Here, I discovered that you could edit photos as a form of art, what we call digital art. I still find that what I do is not taken for granted when I attend art fairs."

How do you edit your photos?
"Photography is first about looking, and then capturing. You need to see opportunities. Usually, I have a good idea of where I want to go. Then I keep working on the photo until the balance is right. I work layer by layer, like a painter. But not every photo of mine is highly edited. Sometimes, I only play with colors. I also have them printed on various materials, such as aluminum, a chair, or a lampshade. I can work on an artwork for up to two months. The advantage of digital art is that you can let it sit if you lack inspiration. A photo in a darkroom needs to be finished immediately."

Do you always use your own photos as a base?
"For my artworks, I use my own photos. Only if I receive a commission to incorporate, for example, old masters into an artwork do I use existing images. Fortunately, there are laws that regulate how you can do this."

Where has your art taken you so far?
"At the Meise Botanic Garden, I participated with 37 other artists in the Biennale Natura Inspiratus. I was allowed to exhibit 13 works. I was also a finalist in the Dutch TV program 'De Nieuwe Vermeer', broadcast by Omroep MAX. My interpretation of 'Het Concert', a stolen Vermeer, proved that digital fine art is a powerful medium for telling timeless stories. Out of 300 prominent Dutch artists, I was chosen to be included in a book by Max Cohen. I am very proud of that. Some works are also on display in Dubai."

We have also seen your work in Kasterlee.
"In 2022, I participated in the art route to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Frans Masereel Centre. My works were displayed on the bridge along the Kleine Nete and at Keeses Molen. To realize this project, I collaborated with several other local artists such as Lisse Declerq, Karl Wouters, and Lieven Siegers, with support from Smaakmakers, the municipal administration, and the Frans Masereel Centre."

What challenges have you faced in creating your digital artworks?
"In the beginning, when I was at art fairs, I received criticism because the photos were edited, but I think it was just because they weren't familiar with it. In the meantime, every photo you see in magazines, for example, is also edited. I call myself an 'image creator.' Photography now serves only to make art."

What is your favorite work that you have made so far and why?
"I don't have a favorite. It's always what I am working on at that moment (laughs). You always need to keep improving yourself."

Congratulations on your appointment as cultural ambassador of our municipality!
"I feel honored. Although I was disappointed that there was little competition. I have been living in Lichtaart since 2018, and I immediately knew that I wanted to do something with art in Kasterlee."

Do you already have a concrete plan for Kasterlee?
"On June 21 and 22, 2025, I will organize an art fair at the OC Kasterlee. For this, I am still looking for local talent who want to showcase their work. I want to give a platform to artists who are still a bit hesitant to present their art. Everyone deserves a platform! Anything is possible: sculpture, ceramics, painting, photography, woodworking, mixed media, ... Anyone who feels called can contact me to secure a spot at this art fair."

Is the event only for amateur artists?
"No, I am still contacting semi-professional artists. This also serves as a networking and learning opportunity. Residents can thus become acquainted with art in an accessible way and purchase art."