Pretty Dark

A perfect bubble

Young people are constantly confronted with images and videos of people who look perfect and only do fun things. Growing up in this bubble of unreal imagery makes young people vulnerable. The pressure to create a perfect online persona on social media can lead to unrealistic expectations and a constant search for validation. Research also shows that the lockdowns continue to have a major impact on young people. One in three young people suffers from psychological complaints such as fear of failure, depression, anxiety, stress, suicidal thoughts and loneliness.

"My parents had no idea how terrible I was feeling, because during the day I kept up appearances, while all the while I was sleeping badly and lying awake for nights on end, worrying and crying in bed." — Tip (24)

Strength

Annabel Oosteweeghel portrayed 10 young people — partly from Amersfoort, partly from the rest of the Netherlands — aged between 15 and 25, each with their own unique story. The settings in the photo series are often picturesque. This time she collaborated with artist and fashion stylist Frank Visser.

Photographer Annabel Oosteweeghel: "In this series, we wanted above all to show the young people at their strongest. They are doing better now. A positive message for everyone who comes to see the exhibition. There is light at the end of the tunnel."

The photographs are carefully staged and aesthetically rendered. They are stilled moments in which those portrayed find themselves — frozen in time as they somewhat self-consciously try on an identity. Each portrait is accompanied by a personal interview about what it is like to grow up in an ever-changing world.

"I notice that I reflexively check my phone when the alarm goes off 24/7. I feel like my time is swallowed up by social media all day long." — Ji Yun (25)

Narrative photography by Annabel Oosteweeghel

Annabel Oosteweeghel (Bussum, 1969) studied audiovisual design at Academie St Joost in Breda. She calls her narrative photography 'Imaginary documentary', because the images she makes take a social issue as their starting point but are meticulously staged and styled by her. In 2015 she published her first book: Oblivious. It earned her a place as a finalist at the Lens Culture Exposure Awards and a nomination for the Dutch Photography So Award 2015. In 2016 she had a solo exhibition at Museum Hilversum with her series Old Love. With her series Insomnia she had an exhibition in 2020 at Museum de Fundatie, which received much success and glowing reviews.

Author: Annebeth Felet