Theater was Kaat's first love. After creating her own productions and performing for over twenty years, she now carries that valuable experience forward into her visual work. Although the medium has shifted from the dynamic stage to the still image, it turned out to be a transition that suits her surprisingly well. Every day, she brings drama, composition, and storytelling into her photographic art.
Born in the Netherlands, she left at a young age to explore the world. After traveling for several years, she realised that what she was searching for elsewhere was actually to be found in her home country. This valuable insight forms the absolute core of her work today. The rich history and unique cultural heritage of her homeland inspires her the most, which she translates into layered, painterly images.
Kaat Stieber's work does not go unnoticed worldwide. Her unique vision and craftsmanship are internationally recognized, leading to multiple prestigious awards and high-profile exhibitions around the globe.
Feathered Fables
In this series, she uses the animal kingdom to tell stories about human life. She explores the theme of “collaboration” and how we struggle or succeed in living together. By using animals as characters, she translates everyday human emotions into fables filled with wisdom and humor.
Her work is a blend of patience and craftsmanship. To create these images, she spends a lot of time in nature photographing birds in their natural habitat. Her goal is to capture their true nature and movement first.
Back in her studio, she builds and paints detailed sets by hand. These small sets serve as a stage for her birds, creating tiny theatrical performances. In these hand built worlds, the wildness of nature meets the control of the studio.
The series explores the balance between loss and hope, and the magic of being together. She invites the viewer to see our own world through these small, enchanted tales. It is a tribute to the collective journey we all take, showing that our stories are always interconnected.
