POWER TO THE MODELS - BREDA PHOTO- STEDELIJK MUSEUM BREDA -  

Commissioned by the Stedelijk Museum Breda and Breda Photo, Jan Hoek created the exhibition ‘Power to the Models’ (2020) with the Breda Photo theme ‘the best of times, the worst of times’ in mind. What if you hand over the power to the model? Hoek looked for eleven models who are often photographed in a one-sided way and offered them the opportunity to create an image of themselves in their own way. They make the plan, manage the budget, determine the location and choose the photographer.

 

I collaborated with Hoek in telling the story of Jyoti Weststrate, who was adopted from India under dubious circumstances. Together we documented her story of origin and identity. The result was a remarkable portrait and installation of Westrate's extraordinary history.