Hazel Ling

Hazel was born in Amsterdam shortly after her parents immigrated there from China. Although she grew up in the Netherlands, the influence of Chinese culture on her was immense. Her cultural duality has shaped who she is today, how she views the world, and the way she expresses herself through photography. Unconsciously, the serenity, harmony, and imagination of Chinese art, combined with her awareness of Western art, have left their mark on her photographic style.

From a young age, she began experimenting with compact cameras and loved her mother’s black-and-white studio portraits from the 1960s. Later, she discovered SLR cameras and realized she could experiment with different lenses, combining apertures and shutter speeds—which opened up a whole new world for her. Nevertheless, photography remained a beloved hobby for a long time, and she chose to study Business Economics and worked internationally in the financial sector for a decade. When the right moment arrived, she decided to pursue her passion for photography at the Photo Academy in Amsterdam. Shortly after she started there, the Netherlands Cancer Institute in Amsterdam approached her to create a work of art for a massive 7-meter-long wall. During this process, which lasted more than a year, she was guided by her mentor. Her first international recognition came in 2015 when she was affiliated with Arta Gallery, located in Toronto’s historic district, to participate in Toronto’s most prestigious exhibition festival (the Contact Photography Festival). As a result of her association with Arta, she caught the attention of another Toronto gallery, which also exhibited her work. Following this major breakthrough, she continues to present her work both in the Netherlands and internationally. She has participated in many other festivals and art fairs, including the Affordable Art Fair, and was nominated for the “Rabo Talent Prize.” She has also exhibited in museums such as the Hilversum Museum and the Van Abbemuseum.