Interview with Cado de Lannoy, Aruban Photographer
by Yello Nov 19, 2018
Image via Cado de Lannoy
Photographer Ricardo de Vreede, also known as Cado de Lannoy, was born in the Netherlands and grew up in Aruba. His work focuses on the island’s undiscovered places and spaces that exist beyond the prevailing images of sand, palm trees and sun.
His work has been exhibited at the Affordable Art Fair in New York City, Basement WRX Gallery Shop in Montclair, New Jersey, and at a variety of local markets and events in Aruba.
Cado speaks to Yello about his innovative artistic choices, vision of Aruba, and future steps.
Tell me about how you got started as an artist. What drew you to photography in particular?
My parents always had a creative influence on me. My mom is a makeup artist, actress and hairdresser, and my dad was always filming and documenting life. I loved the idea of capturing moments – periods in time – and being able to tell stories through photography. Growing up, I was always the guy taking pictures of everybody and everything around me; I just had a good natural feeling about it. I was always involved with creative projects, from my friends’ clothing brands, to retail shops and documenting Aruban history. Mostly, I felt connected with Aruba’s ‘hidden gems’ – the places in Aruba that needed more love, so capturing and documenting houses, colours, and monuments grew as a passion.
How would you describe your artistic style?
My style is kind of hard to describe. Friends tell me that they can recognise shots of mine, or say “Ahh Cado would shoot this, or may have already.” I think maybe, it’s the way I capture colours in certain places where you wouldn’t imagine that colour existed.
1929 by Cado de Lannoy via Cado de Lannoy
Much of your work is inspired by Aruba and its history. What do you hope to convey about the country through your work?
That we have a lot more to offer than just beaches and palm trees. Yes, of course that is a big part of us, but we have so much colour and richness in our culture and history! I’m not the best at documenting people, a friend of mine, Anuar Habibe, is amazing at that. But I always felt that I wanted to keep our history alive through my pictures. I hope I’m achieving that for the island. I tend to keep my photography pretty minimal in style, from abstract historic walls to colour-selected black and whites.
Why did you choose to print your photographs onto Baltic birch wood, rather than standard canvas?
I decided to move a bit away from ‘standard’ printing, and wanted to create something unique, especially for galleries and exhibitions where it’s easy to get lost in all the pieces. Creating something like this lets the viewer appreciate it more, and the style suits the photography. I even did a series on aluminum, which is also amazing to view.
Leo G Paraguanastraat by Cado de Lannoy via Cado de Lannoy
Do you have a specific working process? Does it vary for artistic versus commercial photography?
I don’t have a working process, no. It’s been a crazy transition year for me, working full time and less project-based where I had more time to shoot pictures. Now, I go when I feel inspired and really want to take a second to connect. Commercially, I shoot for work from time to time; I always love shooting my wife’s brand, Little Fry, and also Tangerine from my good friend, Ash.
What advice would you give to other young artists in Aruba?
It’s hard to give advice as everybody’s path is different. But, I would definitely say that if you really want it to happen, do it! Set your mind to it, and go for it. If opportunities pop up, take them – try them. Keep going and don’t let anybody stop you. When people say, “life is short”, it’s true, so do what you love.
Moko by Cado de Lannoy via Cado de Lannoy
What’s next for you?
Settling in with my wife in Aruba, and staying healthy and inspired. I had great opportunities to work with galleries in New York and Holland, and that’s going well. I still want to have a full exhibition locally, and I think for 2019 I will focus on that. I want to thank everybody who has always supported me, from photography to cultural projects. Thanks to my family, wife and closest friends who are with me through this awesome journey.
View Cado de Lannoy’s work on his website, or follow him on Instagram @Cado297. In Aruba, you can find his art at the Museum in San Nicolas, Cosecha, Aged, and at a variety of pop-up events.