Henk Bleeker’s non-commissioned works are created in the best tradition of the Dutch masters of the 16th and 17th centuries, in which light and composition play an important role. However, his subjects are contemporary, even though he displays a certain tendency towards romanticism. This is also evident from his choice of subjects. The raw images of boxers – today’s gladiators – who, in many cases, grew up on the streets of cities such as New York, Boston and Havana. On the other hand, the cowboys, who still inhabit America’s prairies. Henk Bleeker does not shy away from diving for weeks at a time into the harsh and raw existence of these modern adventurers. This is also true for his quest through gyms, searching for the essence of our existence; to survive or to be survived. The photos he takes are well aimed, the result of his keen eye and sense for light and composition. His photos are no snapshots or lucky shots. Time and time again, his work still shows that he has never stopped