Kim’s Photos
Last year, my cousin Steven passed away. Like many visitors to MDHG, he used substances that are harmful to health. Sadly, this did not solve his problems. On the contrary, Steven lived to be only 41 years old…
When I saw stones in MDHG’s window with the names of deceased visitors, I was deeply moved. People who use drugs are often judged for their lifestyle, which overshadows other aspects of their lives. To shed light on this other, unseen side, I spoke with MDHG visitors and asked if I could photograph a cherished item they carried with them. This could be a cigarette, a keychain, or part of a poetry necklace they wore daily. I also asked them to share something about their lives or about the item.
This is how I discovered the layers of their stories. Many people had endured difficult experiences, but there were joyful memories as well, and I met remarkable people with creative, unique characters. Their items and stories will be displayed in the MDHG window starting in late December.
Kim Dijkstra, artist and photographer
The Cigarette That Truus Won’t Smoke
Truus has been through a lot in the past. She ran away from home at a young age after being abused from the age of eleven. The Zeedijk area felt exciting to her, and she often visited the Ponderosa nightclub. Unfortunately, the thrilling life there quickly turned dark. She was drugged and raped by a large group of men.
Life on Zeedijk also led to her being imprisoned. After her release, she was afraid to return to the streets. Thankfully, she reconnected with her parents. Her father picked her up and took her to the Hogesluis rehab clinic. Her mother, who was very ill, lived to see her get clean.
Truus has stayed clean. The one thing she hasn’t managed to quit is her nicotine addiction. Starting today, she’s quitting smoking. She doesn’t want to feel dizzy anymore and wants to live at least another twenty years. So, I’m photographing the first cigarette she won’t smoke…
Truus often talks with people who haven’t yet taken the steps she was able to. She frequently gives them a hug. Despite her past, she still has a lot of love to give.
Rahima Wessels’ Money
A woman in a long, flowing skirt whirls in with her little dog, Palki, at her heels. Palki wears a beautiful rose on her collar. But despite her beauty and sweetness, dogs aren’t allowed in the room Rahima rents. So, she spends hours outside with Palki and occasionally takes him to a place where he can stay. Rahima wants a place where she and Palki can live together.
Rahima studied at the Royal Academy of Art and became an artist. She was also a farmer for fifteen years, milking cows and caring for chickens on her husband’s farm. Sadly, the love between farmer and farmer’s wife ended, and Rahima ended up on the streets.
Now, she creates beautiful, colorful drawings. She once lost a great number of them when her bag was stolen. Her biggest wish, besides finding a home, isn’t to become a famous artist. She’d just be happy if she could earn real money from her creative projects.
In memory of Steven Moorman
By: Kim Dijkstra