© hendrik kerstens – bag, photography (2007)
courtesy NUNC CONTEMPORARY, Antwerpen
Since 1995, Dutch photographer Hendrik Kerstens has been photographing his daughter, Paula. A number of the portraits of Paula are clearly reminiscent of Johannes Vermeer. The austerity of the photograph, its clarity, the serene expression on the young girl’s face, and not least, the characteristic “Dutch” light, all combine to create this impression. But Kersten is not copying the past, rather is he creating a conceptual and humorous dialog between past and present.
Silk and pearls are obviously marvelous materials for an artist, but who knew plastic could be turned into something so pleasing to the eye?
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Johannes Vermeer – Girl with a Pearl Earring, Oil on canvas (1665–67)
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sub rosa 
I think you’re right in pointing out his humour. That’s a statement definitely, and quite stylistic too. I should just save my grocery bags and make art out of them. BTW, she looks a bit like Scarlett Johansson too. 😉
Oh yes! I remember loving this photo and blogging it when I saw that year’s Portrait Competition exhibition.