- A portrait of my hometown and the relationship to the river and nature, Sliedrecht (NL)

For centuries, people have lived alongside rivers, working in them, playing in them, or suffering from their movements. Dutch history is marked by both the struggle with and the benefits of the many waters. My hometown, Sliedrecht, is renowned for its significant dredging and shipping industry, characterized by a strong community of workers and shippers. Last years news came out about severe pollution and the associated health risks of swimming in the river and consuming produce from local gardens, my anger drove me to take action. Growing up in this village, I feel a personal responsibility to address this issue and highlight the deep connection of the people in the village to the river and the land. As a child, I swam in the river after school and went boating during holidays. My grandfather was a shipper, and my other grandparents had a beautiful vegetable garden that we would eat from. 

This photo project aims to portray the village against the backdrop of widespread pollution, exploring the relationship between its people and the river and land. The project will visually capture the range of responses to the pollution—from protests against the factory and attempts to influence policy to removing vegetable gardens or relocating—alongside everyday life that continues unchanged, such as swimming in the river, shipping activities, and working the land.