Bijlmer groups 2003

Produced during a BijlmAIR residency from February to July 2003, this series documents the diverse, multicultural community of Amsterdam’s Bijlmermeer district. Focusing on local organizations—including sports teams, choirs, work groups, and theater troupes—the project resulted in roughly 65 portraits titled Bijlmer Groups.

The work debuted in September 2003 at Artoteek Zuidoost / Het Nieuwe Podium, alongside a traveling public gallery featured on Metro Lines 53 and 54. The residency provided a compelling lens to explore the social tensions and shared excitement of the Bijlmer, drawing striking parallels to life in my home country of South Africa.

The entire series was acquired by the city of Amsterdam for their archives.

Amsterdam, 2003