Home: more than a place

A portraiture series taken in Rotterdam, The Netherlands printed and exhibited.

Home: More Than a Place portraiture series overview

PROMPT

Create an artifact of Rotterdam.

SOLUTION

I was thinking about what home really is and what makes a city home.

Through qualitative research I gathered portraits and responses with 35mm film about what makes Rotterdam home, forming a 34 page book.

Spreads

Rotterdam resident portrait from the Home: More Than a Place series
35mm portrait exploring a resident’s sense of home
Qualitative research documentation from the Rotterdam portrait series
Rotterdam portraiture from Home: More Than a Place
Participant portrait from the Home: More Than a Place study
35mm film portrait from the Rotterdam research series

Process

Filmed by Kirill, assembled and edited by myself.

Exhibition at Emily Carr University of Art + Design

I chose three images to print at 24 x 36" to frame and display in the Exchange 2024 show.

Home: More Than a Place visual-storytelling documentation

Left to right: Teun, Michelle and Agi.

Reflection

Home is more than a place, it is made by people.

This process was so beautiful and fulfilling. It would not have been possible without help from exceptional friends Kirill and Sofia, who assisted in filming my photography process and provided guidance for print techniques.

I had been wanting to understand the diversity of faces I saw in the city everyday, and have conversations beyond the bubble of art school or creative events. I finished this work having a better understanding of the bones of the city. I loved breaking the invisible barrier between strangers by asking questions and receiving positive response. I even loved being told to go away. This process necessitated curiosity, openness and flexibility in responding to people.

Smooth Scroll
This will hide itself!