merette uiterwaal
Color, blur, and movement converge to translate perception into abstract photographic forms
Merette Uiterwaal (b. 1990, Amsterdam Zuid-Oost, Netherlands) is a visual artist whose work is deeply shaped by her color blindness. Perceiving only a limited range of colors, she sees the world differently—reds fade into muted browns, yellows, and oranges, like a well-worn garment. This unique perspective informs her artistic vision, offering a distinct lens through which she interprets her surroundings.
Her photography exists at the intersection of abstraction and figuration. Recognizable scenes are transformed through movement and blur into abstract forms, a visual metaphor for her altered perception of color. This approach challenges viewers to consider not just what they see, but how perception itself shapes understanding and experience.
Uiterwaal integrates photography with audio, ceramics, light and mixed media to craft a visual language that examines the essence of color and perception. Her work invites audiences to look beyond the obvious, revealing hidden beauty and the subtle complexities of a world seen through a color-blind perspective.
Her photography turns everyday scenes into contemplative studies of perception and nuance.
MERETTE UITERWAAL IN HER own words
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"Being colorblind is my constant source of inspiration. Since receiving my colorblind correction glasses, a whole new world has opened up to me. Every day, I discover new colors and continue to be surprised by how differently I perceive them. I find inspiration in the small details of everyday life—vegetables at the market, trees and flowers, people going about their routines, and even the energy of club culture. You’ll often see me quickly snapping photos with my iPhone, capturing moments to revisit later."
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"I’m a slow and deliberate worker. It can take me months to conceptualize a new series, from imagining how it should look to figuring out the technical aspects. I often take long walks in cities or nature to think and daydream, sketching and writing down ideas, but most of the work happens in my mind. Then, suddenly, I’ll have a clear vision and create the work in a relatively short time. However, the process of selecting the final images can be lengthy—I tend to struggle with decision-making, so deadlines are crucial for me. Without them, the process could drag on for a year!"
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"Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how we experience and perceive color in different ways. I’m experimenting with new methods of experiencing photography, pushing the boundaries of how it’s traditionally viewed. Many of my recent works resemble watercolor paintings, but they’re actually photographs. I’m also exploring light art at the moment and hope to expand into other mediums like textiles and sculpture."
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"I’ve always dreamed of creating artwork for a wine label. It’s something I often find myself daydreaming about, and I would love to bring that vision to life."