Photographer Roderik van Nispen has created a series of portraits about metalworkers.

Not a day goes by without the use of metal and yet where it is produced is unknown territory for many. Also for Rotterdam-based photographer Roderik van Nispen. For the past two years, he has been shooting a series of portraits of metalworkers in the Netherlands. An exploration of a sector he was virtually unfamiliar with. Captivated by this tough and passionate sector, he wanted to give it a face. Over 250 portraits show both the craftsman’s side and the highly technological innovations. The diversity in metalworking from raw material to finished product is highlighted. Portraits of the craftsman and specialist behind the product, with no frills in the working environment. Proud craftsmen making high-quality products. A journey through metal.

Especially in metalworking, craftsmanship is still the basis of much of metal production. Surprised by all that is made in the Netherlands from the Hoogovens where the ore is processed into coarse base metal, the blacksmiths, steel hardeners, CNC millers, to the skate grinder who sets world records. An ode to the, in van Nispen’s eyes, too invisible sector.

During the festival, we will exhibit a selection of these photos at gallery NDSM Fuse.