Gelukzoekers

“Fortune seekers”

A grid of portrait photos showcasing diverse individuals across various ages, ethnicities, and styles. They stand against dark backgrounds, wearing different outfits and expressing a range of emotions. The portraits capture a rich tapestry of humanity.

A young woman stands against a dark background, looking slightly to the side. She has dark hair tied back with a headband, wears a sleeveless patterned dress, and a beaded necklace. She has a calm, composed expression with a touch of red lipstick.

A young boy wearing a bright yellow "New York City 23" T-shirt sits against a dark blue background. The lighting highlights his facial features and the details of his T-shirt. He has a calm, neutral expression.

A woman stands against a dark background, wearing a bright pink, knitted top and a black head wrap. She appears confident, with a subtle smile and direct gaze. The lighting emphasizes her facial features and the texture of her clothing.

A middle-aged man and woman are posing against a dark background. The man, with gray hair, is standing and has his hand gently resting on the woman's shoulder. The woman, who is sitting, is wearing a patterned top and a beige hijab, looking directly at the camera.

A man with short, dark hair and a salt-and-pepper mustache is wearing a black t-shirt. He has a serious expression and is set against a dark, plain background. The lighting creates shadows, emphasizing the contours of his face and arms.

A woman is shown against a dark background, wearing a traditional white headscarf and a white garment with red and orange embroidery. She has dark hair and is looking directly at the camera with a calm expression.

An elderly man with short gray hair is facing the camera. He is wearing a black Reebok jacket with logos on the chest. The background is dark, highlighting the subject's serious facial expression.

A young girl with dark, curly hair and a slight smile is posing against a dark backdrop. She is wearing a navy blue dress with white polka dots, a red ribbon around the waist, and floral patterns on the skirt. The lighting highlights her face and upper body.

About this project

Sometimes, it doesn’t take much to be happy, but what if everything is taken away from you because you are forced to leave your home due to war or a natural disaster?

While fleeing, you lose your loved ones, your children, and even your status along the way. As a teacher, architect, engineer, doctor, construction worker, dentist, etc., you are suddenly labeled a ‘refugee.’ As an individual, you are grouped into a closed camp, living in uncertainty in a country that doesn’t speak your language. From ‘happy’ to ‘fortune seeker.’ Everyone in the world naturally seeks their own happiness, making us all fortune seekers.

What makes you happy?
Going to France with your partner and caravan?
The number of likes on your latest post?
Finally getting out of the misery of a divorce?
Or simply having a status, the recognition that you exist and have a right to be here?

For the fifty people portrayed, the latter is currently a priority. The feeling of warmth, being seen, and building a safe existence. Freedom and safety. This is the theme within every asylum seekers’ center.

We have created a Europe where things are simply good. Freedom, safety, and happiness are almost taken for granted. Others have to work harder for it; they come from further away. They too deserve to be seen. They must be seen.

Meet fifty people with dreams, determination, and zest for life. Look at them and realize…

City route

Simultaneously with the exhibition, a series of photos of former migrants was exposed in a city route through the city of Alkmaar (Netherlands). Unlike asylum seekers, these people came here for study, their own business or simply a better life.

Among other things we visit and photographed an barder from Suriname, a florist from Ukraine, a Scottish man who ones a typical Scottish restaurant.

A woman in a red sleeveless top, smiling and holding a blue comb near her hair, looks at her reflection in a large mirror. Various hair care products are placed on the wooden counter in front of the mirror, and the background suggests a cozy salon setting.

A woman sits at a sewing machine in a cluttered tailor shop, wearing a green dress and a measuring tape around her neck. A man sits in the background, smiling. The shop is filled with hanging clothes, sewing materials, and various tools.

A person with long hair and glasses sits on an upside-down orange chair in a sunlit room filled with a variety of plants and flowers in pots. The room has shelves with vases and pots, and a window lets in natural light.

A man with white hair and beard sits confidently on a chair inside a cozy, dimly lit pub, wearing a plaid kilt and black shirt. His hands rest on a cane. The pub is decorated with various memorabilia, wooden furnishings, and low-hanging lights.

A woman with glasses is sitting at a table in a cozy pub. She is smiling and wearing a blue blouse with white polka dots. The pub is warmly lit, with various posters and decorations on the red and brown walls. Other tables and a bar are visible in the background.

A man dressed in a dark shirt sits alone at a table in a well-lit, spacious restaurant with wooden beams and a lush, green vine canopy. Surrounding him are tables with white checkered tablecloths, and the ambiance is cozy and inviting.

Two people sit and chat in a warmly lit restaurant with beige chairs and red tablecloths. The walls behind them feature large, colorful murals depicting a scenic coastal village, giving the space a vibrant and inviting atmosphere.

Two men in a clothing store, surrounded by clothes on racks. One man stands on a staircase, while the other sits on the bottom step, wearing a measuring tape around his neck. The store has wooden floors and various hanging garments.

A man with a friendly smile sits in a barber chair inside a modern barbershop. The shop has warm colors, large mirrors, neatly arranged hair products on shelves, and another barber chair in the background. The space has a clean, inviting atmosphere.

Two women stand closely together in front of three large portrait photographs hanging on a brick wall inside a building with high windows. The portraits depict different individuals, and the setting appears to be an art exhibition or gallery. The scene is in black and white.

A person with short, curly hair stands with arms crossed, viewing a large board displaying a world map. Papers with text are pinned around the map, each connected to specific locations with string. The setting appears to be indoors.

A group of people sit at round tables inside a grand, high-ceilinged hall with arched columns and large windows. The black-and-white image captures the space's intricate architectural details and the people engaged in conversation or activities.

A person in military attire stands in the center of a historic, cathedral-like room with tall, arched windows. The individual wears a cap and sunglasses and holds a camera. The room features a large touchscreen display and ornate wooden paneling on the walls.

A black and white image of a diverse group of people seated in a circle inside a large, ornate church. One person stands in the center, speaking or singing, while others play various musical instruments such as guitars and drums. The atmosphere appears communal and artistic.

Black and white photo of three people standing at a buffet table in a large hall with arched ceilings and chandeliers. One woman is serving herself food, a man is holding a plate and bowl, and another woman, wearing a headscarf, is also serving food.

A group of men and women sit in a circle inside an art gallery, engaged in a discussion. Behind them hang large, black-and-white portrait photographs on white walls. The room has tiled flooring and a chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

A black and white photo captures the interior of a large, historic church with high ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and tall pillars. A group of people is seated in a circle in the center, while others are scattered around the space, engaged in various activities.

A group of four men are seated in a semi-circle inside a large, ornate hall with high vaulted ceilings. Three of them are playing stringed instruments, while the fourth man listens. Various drums and percussion instruments are placed on the floor around them.

A spacious room with large windows, featuring a brick interior and high ceilings. Six large portrait photographs are displayed on the walls, showcasing diverse individuals. Sunlight streams through the windows, casting patterns on the floor. A door is visible in the back.

A black-and-white photo shows a group of six smiling people standing close together in what appears to be a kitchen. Several individuals are making peace signs with their hands, while one person leans forward noticeably, holding a phone. The background reveals kitchen equipment.

A gallery room with high ceilings and an antique chandelier features five portrait photographs displayed on a light-colored wall. The portraits depict individuals with varying expressions. Sunlight filters through tall, arched windows, casting shadows on the stone floor.

The closing exhibition

The closing exhibition “Gelukszoekers” and the city route was a great succes. With approximately 40.000 visitors in three months time you can say that it was more than great!

A diversity of people with different backgrounds came to visit and some were very impressed by the stories and the photos. The opening was a great celebration of recognition with eating, talking and making music together. People all brought something to eat from their own country

Facts:

2016 | De Grote Kerk | Alkmaar, Netherlands | Visitors Approx. 40.000

This project was made possible by:

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