In the vibrant landscape of '90s hip hop, Dutch photographer Dana Lixenberg emerged as a distinct and profound visual chronicler of the era. Known for her compelling portraits, Lixenberg captured iconic figures such as Jay-Z, Aaliyah, Biggie Smalls, and A Tribe Called Quest. 

Lixenberg’s approach to photography is marked by her use of a large-format field camera, a choice that demands both time and patience from herself and her subjects. The process is more than a technical preference; it reflects her deep-seated desire to truly see and understand those she photographs. As Lixenberg explains, “The camera gives me a license to examine the world. It’s a combination of stepping back and really deciphering what I see but also intensely engaging with the subject. Once I’m present in a place, I start to see what was previously inaccessible.”

This approach allows her to create portraits that reveal the complexity and humanity of her subjects. Her work not only documents a pivotal moment in music history but also captures the essence of the artists who defined an era.