The Hero in You! Portraits of Young Refugees from Ter Apel.
Six powerful young individuals take center stage in The Hero in You!—a participatory art project exploring identity, creativity, and inner strength.
During workshops at Stichting De Vrolijkheid in Ter Apel, children and teens crafted masks, props, and textile pieces, while young adults (18–23) reflected on their resilience, becoming the subjects of striking portraits.
These portraits will be exhibited at Kunstpunt Groningen (3–5 July), surrounded by a vibrant handmade installation of cardboard, fabric, and paint. Later, the works will return to the asylum seekers’ centre in Ter Apel for an extended display.
Guided by artists, participants painted meaningful symbols, created their own dyes, and stepped confidently in front of the camera. “I want to be a model someday—that’s why!” laughed one young participant.
The Hero in You! (Dutch: De Held in Jou!) celebrates a simple truth: You’re already a hero—exactly as you are.
This photo series was created as part of The Hero in You!, featured in the public programme of Guardians of Grunn.
The temporary photo studio at the asylum seekers’ center in Ter Apel.
CREDITS
Photography: Harmen Meinsma
Hair & Make-up: Mahla Kamaliyeganeh
Styling: Faten Hejazi
Starring: Oia, Modar, Frida, Zahna, Abdullah and Aymen.
Thanks to: Mirthe van Wermeskerken, Sanne Boswijk and everyone at Stichting De Vrolijkheid.
Made possible by:
Guardians of Grunn is a concept by Nathalie Hartjes, commissioned by Kunstpunt Groningen, and supported by the Municipality of Groningen, the Mondriaan Fund, the Creative Industries Fund NL, the Groningen Culture Fund, and the ELJA Foundation.
With generous support from:
Arca Printers & Supplies, who kindly sponsored the production of the artworks.
