About

Seeing the Human in People

Photography is my instrument to give value to every human being and express my creativity. In a non-judgmental, warm and artistic way. People, culture, religion, colours and light are my main focus points as I concentrate to show grace and respect for every individual.

My artwork focuses on showing an important value of human life: dignity. Dignity is the ability to be seen and respected by others, regardless of culture, values, religious belief, race or class. I believe dignity is the value that makes us human and it is this belief that inspires me in making fine art photos. With strong, minimal compositions, bold colours and with the focus on people or their lives I want to make sure that every photo I make is a reflection of this value.

  • The background of my art is based in my experience with human behaviour, rather than technical knowledge of photography. I am self-taught in photography.

    I was raised in a religious part of Holland and at a young age, I began working as a nurse in mental health care while studying psychology. Later I achieved a second master's degree in Middle Eastern studies.

    During my studies, I decided to visit Iran and bring my camera with me to better understand the topic of my thesis, the Israel-Iran relationship. It was in Iran that I began taking photos of everyday life to make sense of what I was seeing. This is where my passion for photography and understanding human behaviour came together.

    After graduating, I struggled to find a job that fitted with my interests and needs. While continuing to work as a nurse in mental health care, I traveled to Iran and other Middle Eastern countries with my camera. My collection of photos grew and I began exhibiting at local art fairs and selling my first artworks. I also started giving lectures about related topics. Over time, my passions and interests naturally came together and formed the foundation of my art work.

  • All the photos you see are spontaneous moments without modelling. The photographs aren't manipulated in composition. By editing, I make contrasts sharper and/or I enhance colours when needed.

    I believe art is a way to show a sense of beauty and can make you see life in a new way. It should tell a story and leaves space to ask questions.

    I hope my work will make you see people and their life like you haven’t seen before. And I hope it not only provides you a glimpse of dignity but also inspire you to see the world in a brighter, more empathic way.

  • 2024

    • exposition Alliance Française, January, The Hague, The Netherlands

    2023

    • exposition kunstroute Tholen, April, Tholen, The Netherlands

    2022

    • exposition World Trade Center, January, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    2021

    • Disconnected published as Editor’s Pick in Kiekie Magazine, December

    • exposition Podium Mozaïek, May & June, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    2020

    • exposition De Balie, January, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

  • 2016

    • Graduated Master Middle Eastern studies, University of Amsterdam

    2013

    • Graduated Master Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam

    2006

    • Graduated bachelor Nursing in mental healthcare, Hogeschool van Rotterdam