Jason van Bruggen is a self-taught photographer and film-maker based in Canada. Known for a visually arresting treatment of landscapes, and the ability to elicit emotion and range from actors and real people, his work is full of beauty, found light, substance and a clear appreciation for the natural world. His immersive storytelling expresses a profound interest in the culture and geography of his native Canada and an ambition to share the authentic and truthful stories of everyday heros the world over.
His photographic work is focussed on depicting North American wilderness, including the Far North in a manner that is simultaneously authentic and narrative, exploring these emerging landscapes that are now becoming the interest of foreign value, political maneuvering and business interests. Jason seeks to build new interpretations of the areas that have traditionally been the territory of clichéd notions of exploration and adventure. Favouring travel that brings him in direct contact with the frontier and those who inhabit it, his images capture the vulnerability of the ecosystems and the people who live within them, illuminating a tension between the strength and fragility of the region; the age-old resolve to survive.
Jason’s time is balanced between commercial film projects, awareness campaigns and fine art projects. In addition to numerous international editorial and commercial publications, his work as a visual artist and northern storyteller has been profiled by Outside Magazine, National Geographic, Flyfish journal and by numerous brands including Patagonia, Best Made Co and Arc'teryx. His work been featured and awarded in PDN, Applied Arts, Communication Arts and various international award shows. It has aired on networks around the world. Jason's fine art photography has been on display at Allan Gardens, the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario), Don Valley Brickworks and other iconic cultural and historic landmarks in Toronto. Jason was a featured artist at the Scotiabank CONTACT Photo Festival in 2017. Jason has a Masters Degree in History from Queen's University and is a Fellow International of the Explorers Club. He has travelled and worked in over 100 countries, including some of the most remote and austere locations on the planet. He holds valid EU and Canadian passports.