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‘Birds of Paradise’

Celebrating otherness, freedom, joy, and self-expression

April 12 – May 17 at Torch Gallery Amsterdam

In the Birds of Paradise exhibition, I bring together all the extraordinary, eccentric, independent, and vibrantly colorful individuals I’ve portrayed throughout The Zine Project. Through photography, video, and installations, they share their unique stories. As with the zines, I’ve paired the work with descriptions and text fragments, offering a deeper understanding of who these individuals are and why I chose to photograph them.

My work focuses on the spontaneous connection between myself and my subjects, capturing those who embrace their uniqueness and challenge societal norms. It’s not about showcasing ā€˜oddness’—it’s about authenticity, improvisation, trust, and equality. This approach led to The Social Media ProjectĀ in 2011, where for ten years, I portrayed eccentrics from around the world, often in their own homes, discovering their stories only during the shoot.

Step into the world of Birds of Paradise—a world of vibrant, colorful individuals—and leave with an Emotional Goodie Bag: a heartfelt invitation to embrace diversity and make it a part of your own social circle.

⭐ Review of the exhibition on GalleryViewer: (Coming soon)

– This exhibition originated from the Zine project.