Initiation series / 2019
Artistic documentation series of ‘Initiation of Daleila‘, a natural initiation ritual at the Duursche Waarden Den Nul. Daughter Daleila (NL/TZ) has been raised by me as a single mum. My (new) partner Roger participated in this happening which evoked a new way of collaborating within a relationship whilst starting a family step by step. It can be perceived as a universal ritual of surrender to and appreciation of natural forces.
The IJssel river has been a welcoming space for locals, travelers and (former) refugees for years already, alongside its recreative function. People gaze at the water, come home or dream of their life, humbly inspired by the river current – connecting places and people. The river is for free and can be appreciated as a gift of natural abundance for people (equal within a community). I went to the river as a single mum very often, feeling one with people whom had lost their beloved ones.
This work expresses the empowering and healing side-effects of rituals, swimming, togetherness and gatherings of this silent surrounding onto people.
This work has been made for Dag van de IJssel, organized by Beleef de IJssel/IJsselbiennale 2020, at Kunstenlab Deventer. Photographs of the work process and exhibition can be seen here.
Note: Thank you for reading about my former life as a single mum. I’m a mother in a family of five now. If you feel connected to my story, feel free to write me about your life. I’ll send you words of support and kindness.