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Sweet Little Baby Bird

"I didn't see it coming.."

When I was eleven, I met photographer Y*, a family friend who groomed and sexually abused me. This project tells my experience in both words and images. It shows the sexualization of young girls and the secretive dynamic between groomer and victim.

Photographer Y* would start calling me 'his sweet little baby bird'.

My project confronts the audience with the tension between not wanting to know about it and being curious about it at the same time. It encourages you to recognize the ways in which we unconsciously avoid or seek out certain realities.

I was eleven

In addition to the installation 'Sweet little baby bird', I'm also showcasing my book 'I Was Eleven'. Which originated from my graduation project, it will also be available to order for those interested. The idea behind the book was to create something lasting, unlike an exhibition that leaves no trace once dismantled.

The book was created in collaboration with Pam Werlotte, a graphic designer who also lives with the consequences of sexual abuse.

I’m presenting a limited edition collection created in collaboration with Maxivive, available in exclusive quantities.


Many thanks to:
Supportive Act Foundation, WeTransfer.
FlitsImpuls, township of Amersfoort.

About Ankie van Kasteren

Ankie van Kasteren (1996, NL) is a Dutch visual artist based in the Netherlands. While her work primarily focuses on photography, she also moves between painting, sculpture, and installation art. Her personal experiences and memories serve as the main source of inspiration for her creations.
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