Sander Coers

Sander Coers (b. 1997) is an artist working with photography based in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. By deconstructing and recontextualizing memories, Sander seeks to uncover how histories—both personal and collective—are passed down through generations. His work blends techniques and media to examine themes rooted in his daily experiences and personal interactions. Through his exploration, he invites viewers to question how we remember, how we forget, and how those processes shape who we are across generations.

Drawing from family archives and his own photography, he delves into the emotional repression inherited across generations, especially among men. He incorporates newer techniques, such as artificial intelligence and digital manipulation, reflecting on the constructed nature of memory and the tension between reality and fantasy. He is particularly interested in how family photos, like vacation snapshots, often present an idealized version of the past. By re-examining these images, he explores how they shape family stories and histories—often revealing the gaps and silences that linger beneath the surface.

Since graduating with Honours in Fine Art from the Willem de Kooning Academie in 2021, Sander has published three books: Come Home, This Naked Incident, and Blue Mood (Al Mar). His photography has been exhibited in galleries and museums across The Netherlands and abroad, with features in Foam, Vogue, Die Zeit, i-D, and The Guardian. Recognized as a "Rising Star of 2022" by NRC, he was also nominated for the Nikon Emerging Talent Award and is currently part of the Foam Talent program for 2024-2025. His work has been acquired by the Preus Museum, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Rabobank, and various other collections.