"A long-running documentary series about youth culture in the Netherlands
For the past twenty years, I have crossed paths with and photographed a deeply diverse group of young people. By immersing myself in their worlds, I have been able to capture the essence of their lives. My goal was to paint a complete portrait of youth culture; that pivotal life stage where you figure out who you are, discover who you want to become, and experiment with everything life puts in your path.
At times, I try to remain invisible; at others, I intentionally seek a connection. Yet, the moments I capture are never staged. I often engage in conversation long before the camera appears, seeking to understand my subjects' choices and journeys. Once I know someone’s passions and sorrows, I can fathom them on a deeper level.
My greatest lesson has been that I recognize a piece of myself in everyone, and that genuine attention is no longer a given in today’s world. Driven by curiosity, I have listened to remarkable stories of 'living and surviving' in the city. Sometimes, these narratives were so intricate that photographs alone were not enough; in those cases, I turned to documentary filmmaking.
My drive to pursue photography stems from my own turbulent youth. The camera has gifted me a new perspective on my past. Or as the saying goes: 'make art from your broken heart'.
