Shot and published when he was just 17 years old

Release year: 2015

Binding: Softcover

Pages: 64 pages

Size: 9.45 x 6.3 x 0.31 in (24 x 16 x 0.8 cm) 

Publisher: Foci Press, Van Zoetendaal Publishers

Language: English and Japanese

Johan van der Keuken’s career as a documentary film-maker, author, and photographer spanned four decades, until his passing in 2001. Based in Amsterdam, he addressed many topics in his work. First published in 1955, ‘Wij Zijn 17’ is a book of photos of his friends and classmates, taken by him when he was seventeen. These portraits of post-war Dutch teenagers address the intangible theme of youth in a touching and personal way. On the occasion of the publication of a Japanese edition of the book, ‘Les Copains’ is also reprinted, which contains prints of the uncropped negatives used in the other book, thereby offering a broader view of his subjects and setting. 

Shot and published when he was just 17 years old, this archetypal 'photonovel' is the first book by Johan van der Keuken, who would become an influential documentary filmmaker, author, and photographer. With intimate portraits of van der Keuken's friends and peers, Wij Zijn 17 provides a fascinating insight into Dutch post-war youth culture.