The title already gives it away. In this book I have captured people I admire for daring to visually express their identities after meeting them within the queer club culture in both Germany and the Netherlands. My subject is the self-expression I have found among people in this scene. Through a series of portraits, I highlight the strength, extravagance, and beauty of those portrayed. In the publication, I pay tribute to these individuals who, in the darkness of the night and within a self-created safe environment, dare to shape a temporary extension of their identity. I invited people I admire to collaborate with me, photographing them against a white background with a bright flash—imitating sunlight—to create a contrast with the nocturnal environment. In the publication, which I designed together with designer Christian Sterk, the viewer finds written texts and archival photos of those I have portrayed alongside the portraits. The diversity of the shared information is vast and reflects the vulnerability of people within this community—my community. In addition to the submitted texts, there are also handwritten notes from me included in the publication. Due to a ban on cameras, there is barely any physical evidence of this nightlife's existence. With this project, I hope to make part of it visible to a wider audience and celebrate the people who are part of it.

Additional costs post checkout described (n/a if all inclusive)

n​/​a