John Geven

Perhaps I am one of the most remarkable photographers in the world, because I have never held a camera in my life.
When I was 19, more than 30 years ago, I was paralyzed for more than 90% by a diving accident. This prevents me from moving my hands or using my fingers. I also have no feeling in it anymore. But I was always creative and studied art history at the HAVO.
I live my whole life with ideas and concepts in my head. In 1999 I came into contact with photography and wanted to do this, despite my severe disability.
I started looking for my options and came into contact with the Technical University of Eindhoven. A project was launched to realize a modified photo studio on which ultimately more than 50 students worked. After 3 years this studio was ready and I made my first photo in my adapted photo studio.

In the following years I taught myself how to photograph and was allowed to look at the Dutch photo masters in their kitchen, such as Carli Hermes, Erwin Olaf, Govert de Roos, Hans de Vries et al.

In August 2007 I had my first independent photo exhibition in the Oude Kerk in Amsterdam called Hero to Zero. An exhibition inspired by my life.
The exhibition was also on display in Eindhoven in January 2008, followed by ...

In the following years I taught myself how to photograph and was allowed to look at the Dutch photo masters in their kitchen, such as Carli Hermes, Erwin Olaf, Govert de Roos, Hans de Vries et al.

In August 2007 I had my first independent photo exhibition in the Oude Kerk in Amsterdam called Hero to Zero. An exhibition inspired by my life.
The exhibition was also on display in Eindhoven at the Technical University January 2008, followed by a book in March 2008.