Jason van Bruggen, Visionary Visual Artist
Why:
Jason is a dedicated filmmaker with a deep connection to the life changing experiences of his parents, who endured the brutal occupation of the Netherlands during World War II. Growing up, he was immersed in their poignant stories of oppression, hunger, and the resilient spirit of community, which profoundly shaped his worldview and artistic vision.
A key inspiration for Jason’s work is a photograph of his late Aunt Femie. In this evocative image, she stands in her best (and only) dress on a street in Den Haag, holding a small Dutch flag as Canadian military vehicles pass by on Liberation Day, May 5th—an occasion that also marks Jason's birthday. This powerful snapshot of joy and relief left an indelible mark on him.
The recent conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, along with the recognition that the last generation of World War II witnesses is fading, galvanized Jason's resolve to preserve their stories. He embarked on a mission to compile an oral and photographic history of their experiences, aiming to educate and inspire younger generations through his art.
In conversations with survivors and liberators, Jason has been deeply moved by their accounts of courage, loss, and resilience. He is profoundly grateful for their trust and sees it as a privilege to share their intimate and powerful narratives through his films.
Bio:
Jason van Bruggen is a Dutch-Indonesian-Canadian visual artist whose compelling body of work spans both motion pictures and photography. Known for his thought-provoking documentary and near-documentary pieces, Jason explores the complex relationship we have with our rapidly changing world. His large-scale photographs, often presented in immersive installations, and his cinematic narratives, challenge us to consider whether humanity has reached its zenith and if we can navigate the existential threats posed by climate change and overpopulation.
Jason's art is deeply informed by his global experiences, having traveled to over 150 countries as an international development worker, professional adventurer, and military contractor. This diverse background lends a unique perspective to his work, which highlights the growing disconnect between people and the planet. His interest in history and human behavior is evident in his contemporary works, where he questions the sustainability of our seemingly advanced yet fragile existence.
A holder of a Master’s Degree in History from Queen’s University, Jason is also a distinguished Fellow of both the Explorers Club and the Royal Canadian Geographic Society. As a TEDx 2021 speaker, his insights have resonated with audiences worldwide. Jason’s artistic talent is recognized globally, with representation in various countries and large-scale commissions from Fortune 500 companies, the Government of the Netherlands, and numerous institutional collectors driving his fine art practice.
His photographic and film work has been celebrated by National Geographic, Fast Company, Outside Magazine, and The Explorers Journal. His films have aired on major networks including CNN, BBC, PBS, CBS, CBC, and SRF1, and have been showcased at prestigious film festivals across North America. Jason's commercial projects, which integrate documentary processes, capture deeply human stories while reflecting a profound appreciation for the natural world and our evolving role within it.
Accolades for Jason's work include recognition in PDN, the Cannes Lions, Applied Arts, Communication Arts, and ADCC, among others. He has collaborated with top brands such as Adidas, Canada Goose, Patagonia, and Arc'teryx. In 2023, Jason was named one of the Top 10 Commercial Directors in the World by the Cannes Festival for Creativity’s Talent Report, and one of the "people shaping the future of Creativity." His innovative approach earned top honors in Fast Company’s List of “50 World Changing Ideas” in 2024.
Jason’s dedication to documenting and interpreting the human experience through art makes him a powerful voice in contemporary visual storytelling.