Foam Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam Spotlights Daniel Mebarek’s "Fotos Gratis" in Latest Talent Showcase
The biannual Foam Talent Programme has returned for its 17th edition, introducing a new generation of forward-thinking image-makers to the international stage. Amid global shifts, economic uncertainties, and shifting borders, this year’s cohort of 15 creators examines the concept of home, belonging, and the small personal details that connect us all.
Among the standout contributors featured by the museum is Bolivian-born artist Daniel Mebarek. His project, Fotos Gratis, explores historical street portraiture, community representation, and the delicate dynamics of the camera's gaze.
Discovering Contemporary Photography Talent at Amsterdam's Foam
For those visiting Amsterdam's historic canal district, a stop at Foam Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam offers an intimate look at how modern artists are pushing the boundaries of visual media. The Talent Programme is highly regarded for spotting early-career artists who challenge traditional documentary styles.
Mebarek’s contribution stands out for its deep engagement with a specific community and its historical awareness. Grounded in extensive fieldwork, his practice bridges the gap between historical photographic methods and modern questions of identity, labor, and representation.
Reimagining the Street Portrait in El Alto
In 2022, Mebarek established a temporary outdoor portrait studio at the Feria 16 de Julio in El Alto, Bolivia—one of South America's most expansive open-air street markets. Armed with a stool, a tripod, two cameras, a megaphone, a portable printer, and a hand-painted backdrop, he stepped into the role of a minutero.
Minuteros were itinerant photographers who historically offered quick portraits to passers-by, a trade sparked in the early 20th century by the invention of the direct-positive Mandel-ette camera. While this gig-economy trade has nearly disappeared today, Mebarek revived it to engage directly with the market's shoppers, many of whom are of Aymara descent.
By inviting locals to pose against a painted backdrop of Mount Illimani—the sacred peak overlooking El Alto—the artist created a space where individuals, families, and workers could define how they wished to be seen. Historically underrepresented in mainstream media, the sitters are captured here with dignity and individuality.
An Exchange of Images and Experiences
The sign at Mebarek's stand read Fotos Gratis (Free Photos), and indeed, participants walked away with physical prints at no cost. However, the project was designed as a mutual exchange. In return for the free print, the artist retained the digital trace of the encounter, turning the act of photography into a collaborative moment rather than a one-sided capture.
The project also features a companion Super-8mm film titled Mirar. This moving-image component documents the lively environment surrounding the makeshift studio, capturing the interactions, adjustments of clothing, and quiet gestures shared between the artist and the community.
This compelling body of work is featured in Foam Magazine #68 Talent 2026. Visitors interested in reading the complete project analysis can secure a physical copy through the official Foam Magazine Shop.
For travelers and art lovers planning a cultural itinerary, keeping up with the city's rotating galleries is simple. You can easily locate this canal-side museum and map out your next cultural stop using Musemap (musemap.art). To make the most of your trip, check out the comprehensive Amsterdam's museum list or find current exhibitions on the interactive Amsterdam map to plan your next artistic detour.
