Interview Noord Hollands Dagblad

An interview in the Dutch Newspaper Het Noord Hollands Dagblad by Nanska van de Laar, about my work and exhibition Inner Movement.

(English translation below)

Interview: Monique Belier Makes Her Home Debut

Images That Speak Body Language

She has exhibited in Amsterdam and Paris, but doing so in Bovenkarspel feels particularly nerve-wracking. Still, it was time to take the plunge, so photographer Monique Belier is showcasing her work this weekend at the Meisjesschool.

Bovenkarspel

Her home debut makes her a bit nervous, Monique admits as she walks up the stairs to her studio in the former Meisjesschool. “It’s different when you do this in your own environment.”

The former dance instructor and dancer from Bovenkarspel found a new love through the camera, and after experiencing burnout, she discovered a new focus. Last year, she graduated from the Photo Academy in Amsterdam with her project *Where the Spirit Meets the Bone*, which immediately drew attention.

“That book really set everything in motion. Without planning it, I kind of put myself on the map.”

Personal Interpretation

Monique never intended to photograph dance. “I find that a bit dull, so I just started experimenting a lot until I created images that no longer felt like dance or just a beautiful pose. It became something else—it became a story.”

A story that makes the unspoken visible, as body language is Monique’s native tongue. That same language translates into her photography. “When you dance, it’s the most natural language, but figuring out how to convey that in still images is a challenge. Suddenly, they become fragments.”

Those fragments are expressive, and together, they form a powerful visual language—one Monique continues to explore in greater depth. “While working on my graduation project, I read *Vaslav* by Arthur Japin, about Vaslav Nijinsky, and his story deeply moved me.”

Nijinsky

So much so that Monique decided to delve into the life of this legendary dancer (1890–1950). “There isn’t much known about him after he was admitted to a clinic, where he remained for the rest of his life. He hardly spoke and no longer danced, yet he was a genius. I want to visualize what was going on inside his mind. Of course, it’s still my own personal interpretation. It won’t be a documentary or a factual account of his life, but rather a dialogue between his language and mine.”

She sees parallels with her own life. “I don’t want to compare myself to him, but I also stopped dancing. The question is: does that mean you’re no longer a dancer? Of course not—dance continues to play a role in your mind.”

“When I read his diaries, I strongly feel the urgency with which he tried to translate his emotions into language. I feel that same urgency to express mine through images. I used to communicate through dance, and I had to find a new way to do that.”

Nijinsky’s struggles with depression also resonate with Monique. She openly shares that she has an anxiety disorder—she doesn’t drive and avoids escalators. “I’m not ashamed of it. I talk about it, and I hear more and more people admitting their fears. I believe we should be open about these things and not make a big deal out of them. Honestly, I’d rather stay at home under a blanket, but that’s not a life.”

From Paris to Bovenkarspel

Despite these challenges, she has an inner drive that keeps her moving. After her graduation project, she created a short photo series about anxiety disorders and then started *In Search of Nijinsky*. “A selection from these three projects was featured in my first solo exhibition, *Inner Movement*, last summer at Atelier K84 in Amsterdam. I then participated in a group exhibition in Paris. It was incredible to see my work displayed there. You can’t even imagine that while you’re still in school—just surreal.”

From Paris to Bovenkarspel, where this weekend she presents *Inner Movement*. “My husband suggested that people here might also enjoy seeing my work, but I thought, ‘Why would anyone care about my art?’ I don’t even like being in the spotlight. I’m happy to talk about my work, but you won’t catch me standing on a stage.”

Yet, after six months of contemplation, she decided to take the step—and now, in her own modest way, she will stand on that dreaded stage. “I’ll say something about my work. I hate it, but it’s good practice. Exhibiting here in Bovenkarspel is exciting, but I already know that after this weekend, I’ll need time to recover. It’s intense and overwhelming.”

Hometown exhibition

(English below)

Na een aantal weken het wat rustiger aan te hebben gedaan, is het tijd voor iets nieuws.
In het weekend van 31 januari exposeer ik in mijn eigen dorp—het dorp waar ik ben opgegroeid en waar ik nu woon.

Op een prachtige locatie, de voormalige Meisjesschool in Bovenkarspel, waar ik ook mijn studio heb, zal ik het hele weekend mijn werk exposeren.
De expositie toont beelden uit mijn boekproject Where the Spirit Meets the Bone, samen met een introductie en experimenteel werk uit mijn huidige project In Search for Nijinsky. Daarnaast presenteer ik een tweeluik getiteld Treading Water, alles verbonden door het overkoepelende thema Inner Movement.

Het is de eerste keer dat ik in mijn eigen dorp exposeer, en eerlijk gezegd vind ik het een beetje spannender dan normaal.
Misschien is dat ook de reden dat ik het zo lang heb uitgesteld. Toch ben ik blij met deze beslissing—mijn werk komt mooi tot zijn recht tegen de oude muren van de school. De ruimte voegt echt iets bijzonders toe en is een van de weinige plekken in ons dorp die beschikbaar zijn voor kunstenaars.
Dat ik 17 jaar lang mijn theaterschool in dit dorp heb gerund, maakt het extra speciaal om hier nu te exposeren.

Vernissage:
31 januari
19:00–21:00

Te bezoeken:
1 & 2 februari
12:00–17:00

Adres: Hoofdstraat 201, Bovenkarspel - Atelier op de 1e verdieping (geen lift)
(Parkeren aan de achterkant en station Bovenkarspel - Flora op 5 minuten loopafstand)

After taking it a bit easier for a few weeks, it's time for new things again.
On the weekend of January 31st, I’ll be exhibiting in my own village—the place where I grew up and where I still live.

At a beautiful location, the former Girls' School in Bovenkarspel, where I also have my studio, I’ll be showcasing my work throughout the weekend.

The exhibition features images from my book project Where the Spirit Meets the Bone, alongside an introduction to and experimental work from my current project In Search for Nijinsky. Additionally, I’ll be presenting a diptych titled Treading Water, all connected by the overarching theme of Inner Movement.

This is the first time I’m exhibiting in my own village, and I must admit, it feels a little more exciting than usual.
Perhaps that’s also why I’ve postponed it for so long. Still, I’m glad I made this decision—the work fits well within the old walls of the school. The space adds a unique atmosphere and is one of the few places available to artists in our village.

Having run my theater school in this village for 17 years makes it feel even more special to exhibit here now.

Vernissage:
January 31
19:00–21:00

Open to visit:
February 1 & 2
12:00–17:00

Address: Hoofdstraat 201, Bovenkarspel - Studio on the 1st floor (no elevator)
(Parking at the back and Bovenkarspel - Flora station within 5 minutes walking distance)

Reflection on my exhibition Inner Movement

The past few weeks have flown by, and now my exhibition at atelier K84 has come to an end. With the help of Cees Beuzenkom, I was able to set up the space exactly as I had envisioned it. After a wonderful opening, with beautiful words from Maurice Laudy and Boris Hamilton, I was present every Friday and Saturday at the gallery space on Keizersgracht 84 in Amsterdam.

The people who came to see my exhibition made it a truly valuable experience for me. So many stories and such a diverse group of people. Some took the time to read everything, ask questions, and really understand my work. Others stood visibly moved in the middle of the space, where no words were needed. Some came by just to see me, bringing gifts or treats, while others were genuinely proud and happy for me.

Visitors came from the United States, Australia, Brazil, South Korea, and of course, the Netherlands, each with their own remarkable stories. They wanted to take photos with the work or with me, and later shared those moments. Others inspired me with their own art, sparking deep conversations about navigating the often complex world of art. I didn’t want to simply move on to the next thing without pausing to reflect on this. I wanted to fully appreciate how beautiful this experience has been.

A special highlight was the collaboration with Self Publisher United, particularly with Wies den Ouden. We spent a wonderful afternoon focused on photobooks. The partnership with Saskia de Vries and Sarah van Eijk was equally memorable, as they delivered a stunning performance inspired by my work, featuring live violin music, spoken word, and dance.

Now, it’s time to move on. This weekend, I’ll take everything off the walls to make room for the next exhibitor. Next weekend, I’m heading to Greece for a new adventure—a masterclass led by Raymond Meeks—and after that... I think I might need some rest.

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Lina’s head - available in a small edition of prints / framed

Published in Het Parool (Dutch Newspaper)

Het Parool published about my exhibition ‘Inner movement’ at atelier K84 in Amsterdam. The exhibition runs from July 12 till Sept. 7.

Read more about the exhibition …

By Peter van Brummelen (July 25th)

Update about my Exhibition 'Inner Movement': Two upcoming events!

August 10 | Photo Book Table with Wies den Ouden | Self Publishers United

I am thrilled to announce an event that I've been organizing in collaboration with Self Publishers United and atelier K84. If you have a passion for photography and dream of turning your work into a book, you won't want to miss this.

Event Details:

Join us on Saturday, August 10, from 15:00 to 17:00 at Atelier K84 (Keizersgracht 84, Amsterdam) for an inspiring afternoon. We have the pleasure of hosting a lecture by Wies den Ouden, who will share the fascinating story of how she co-founded Self Publishers United. Her love for unique photo books is contagious, and she'll be diving into the nitty-gritty of self-publishing your own book.

What makes this event truly special is the opportunity to engage directly with Wies during a Q&A session. It's not every day that you get to learn from someone with such a rich background in self-publishing, and I can't wait to hear her insights and advice.

As a bonus, we’ll have a variety of books from members of Self Publishers United available for you to browse and purchase. This is a great chance to see some beautiful work and maybe even take home a new treasure for your collection.

Admission is free, and we’ll be serving coffee and tea to keep things cozy and welcoming. While entry is free, I do ask that you register through the link to help us manage numbers.

If you’re in the area, the exhibition will be open from 12:00 on the same day, so you can make the most of your visit.

I’m genuinely excited about this event and believe it will be a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in photography and self-publishing. I look forward to seeing you there and sharing this inspiring afternoon together.

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August 30 | Live Music, Spoken Word, and Dance Performance | Sarah van Eijk & Saskia de Vries

I am incredibly excited to share an event that promises to be a truly unique experience, blending live music, spoken word, and dance performance. Violinist Sarah van Eijk and performance artist Saskia de Vries are collaborating on a live performance inspired by the themes and images of the photo exhibition 'Inner Movement'.

Event Details:

On Saturday, August 30, from 16:00 to 17:00 at Atelier K84 (Keizersgracht 84, Amsterdam), we will witness a captivating interplay of sound and movement that brings the exhibition's images to life in a powerful and unique way.

This is not just a performance; it is an experience you won’t want to miss.

When? Saturday, August 30, from 16:00 to 17:00

Where? Atelier K84, Keizersgracht 84, Amsterdam

Admission: Free, including coffee and tea

I believe this event will deeply resonate with anyone who appreciates the cross-pollination of different art forms and the profound emotions they can evoke. The exhibition will also be open for visits from 12:00 onwards on the same day, so feel free to explore it before the performance begins.

I look forward to sharing this unforgettable experience with you.

About Saskia de Vries

Saskia Johanna de Vries (1996) is afgestudeerd als professioneel danseres en beweegt mensen net zo lief met haar woorden. Ze bracht een eigen zine uit, publiceerde in bundels en treedt op met spoken word. Haar werk belichaamt dat wat zich eigenlijk niet in woorden laat vangen, maar gehuld in een vleugje eigenzinnigheid probeert ze het toch.

About Sarah van Eijk

Sarah is een veelzijdige zangeres en violiste die begon met viool spelen op 7-jarige leeftijd. Ze studeerde klassieke viool in Vicenza en Groningen, waar ze ook jazz ontdekte. Ze stapte over naar Jazz Vocals en studeerde in 2022 af aan het Conservatorium van Amsterdam. Sarah heeft in diverse interdisciplinaire projecten opgetreden en is nu actief in de band EUPNEA.

Solo Exhibition ‘Inner Movement’

Solo Exhibition at atelier K84 - July 12, 2024, through September 7, 2024 - Keizersgracht 84 - Amsterdam

I am very exited about sharing the news about my upcoming solo exhibition at Atelier K84 in Amsterdam!
You are invited to the opening (vernissage) on 12 July from 17:00 till 20:00, Keizersgracht 84 in Amsterdam.
Guest speaker: Photographer / Visual Artist Boris Hamilton from Brussels. (18:00)

'Inner Movement' is the overarching title of the work I've completed over the past year, which includes my graduation project 'Where the spirit meets the bone’, as well as new projects still in progress.

The focus of my practice lies in delving into aspects of the human psyche, and making emotions, for which we often lack words, visible. Movement is an essential element of my photography and is necessary to capture these emotions, but is not the goal itself.

Many of the images revolve around a deep-seated fear of disappearing, not being seen, or being consumed. Through this, I explore my own experiences with a panic disorder that has played a significant role in my life since 2017.

The stories that emerge are raw and personal, yet at the same time universal and recognisable. I invite the audience to recognise themselves in the work, where both the subject and the environment reflect the inner movement of our deepest emotions.

The new projects, some of which I will exhibit, are still in development and an extension of my earlier work.

IN SEARCH OF NIJINSKY (WORKING TITLE)

In "In Search of Nijinsky" (working title), I use the Kiev-born dancer Vaslav Nijinsky (born 1889) as a starting point. Fascinated by this man, I strive to embody his essence. He is considered the greatest dancer of the early 20th century, celebrated for his extraordinary skills and theprofound, intense way he in which he portrayed characters. He also stirred controversy and was daringly innovative in his movements, a true pioneer of contemporary dance. He danced to express himself.

What captivates me the most are his diaries, written in 1919 just before being diagnosed with schizophrenia and being admitted to a psychiatric hospital. The texts seem to have poured directly from his pen, his thoughts tumbling over each other. It’s as if what he used to express through dance was now captured in his writing.

I feel a deep connection with him, possibly because I, too, am always searching for ways to express myself and to be recognised. I seek to understand what was happening psychologically from the time of his admission until his death. His life after dance. Was movement still his language in his mind? I try to visualise his thoughts, his frustration, and fear—something I can very much relate to and strive to understand.

TREADING WATER

‘Treading Water’ (working title) is part of another series featured in the exhibition. It depicts the overwhelming wave of chaos and storm in the mind that one can experience during a panic attack. Through this piece, I explore my own experiences with panic disorder, which has played a significant role in my life since 2017.

This exhibition has been made possible and curated by: Atelier K84, Maurice Laudy, and Cees van Beuzekom.

A review by Alex Prior

Alex Prior, Artist and Photo book reviewer wrote about my work after sending him a copy of ‘Where the spirit meets the bone’.
I tried to translate it in Dutch below.

Bodies in flux, in ferment, in vital motion, as if pausing even for the briefest of moments would lead to a decay, a rust setting into to supple bones.

Invisible trails left in their wake, the air being the only witness, scythed, and caught between fingers and thighs and toes.
An internal rhythm is established, a connection made to memories past and moments present, breathe is draw and muscles tensed, before intuition takes over and leads the body in unplanned directions.

Turns and twists, trusting in the fine balance between thrust and momentum.
Heady contortions.
Silent, but for the quick strike of breath, pounding of soles to the floor and the soft slap of limb against limb.
A wordless salvo, conversations woven in space, calligraphic lines traced by fingertips and toes, arcing, halting, falling.

Each pause framed as sculptural majesty.
Carved in space and cast in fading light.
Compressed then stretched, pliable like clay continously formed and reformed by a restless mind.

Breathless bounding forward only to be repelled by some invisible force, a shock wave, a shadow that mimicks and mocks.
Veins protrude and muscles burn, tendons stretch, and new limits are reached and then surpassed.

At the edge, the limit, the litmus, but not the end.
Each new swoop and sway of limb and breathe took into lung is a kind of freedom reached.
The body as a murmuration.

Alex Prior
@photobook_reviewer

(Dutch translation)

Lichamen in beweging, in gisting, in vitale beweging, alsof zelfs het kortste moment van pauze tot verval zou leiden, tot roest die zich nestelt in soepele botten.

Onzichtbare sporen achtergelaten in hun kielzog, waarbij de lucht de enige getuige is, afgesneden en gevangen tussen vingers en dijen en tenen. Een interne cadans wordt vastgesteld, een verbinding gemaakt met herinneringen uit het verleden en momenten in het heden, adem wordt ingehaald en spieren spannen zich aan, voordat intuïtie het overneemt en het lichaam in ongeplande richtingen leidt.

Wendingen en draaien, vertrouwend op de fijne balans tussen kracht en momentum. Bedwelmende kronkels. Stilte, behalve het snelle snakken naar adem, het bonzen van voeten op de vloer en de zachte klap van ledemaat tegen ledemaat. Een woordeloos salvo, gesprekken geweven in de ruimte, kalligrafische lijnen getraceerd door vingertoppen en tenen, boogvormig, stilstaand, vallend.

Elke pauze omlijst als sculpturale majesteit. Uitgehouwen in de ruimte en gegoten in vervagend licht. Samengeperst en vervolgens uitgerekt, kneedbaar als klei, voortdurend gevormd en hervormd door een rusteloze geest.

Ademloos voorwaarts springend, alleen om te worden teruggeworpen door een onzichtbare kracht, een schokgolf, een schaduw die nabootst en bespot. Aders steken uit en spieren branden, pezen strekken zich uit en nieuwe grenzen worden bereikt en vervolgens overschreden.

Op de rand, de grens, de lakmoesproef, maar niet het einde. Elke nieuwe duik en zwaai van ledemaat en elke ingeademde ademhaling is een soort bereikte vrijheid. Het lichaam als een zwerm.

Afstudeerproject

WERKTITEL: EMBODIMENT OF INNER MOVEMENT

Ik zit midden in een creatief proces en ik nodig je graag uit om daar deel van uit te maken. Ik ben vorig jaar begonnen met een portfolio 'Emovere', dit was een handgemaakt boek met beelden die samen resoneren als gedachten, gevoelens en beweging. Ik realiseerde me dat dat is wat ik doe als ik foto's maak. Ik ben op zoek naar de momenten die me emotioneel triggeren, niet alleen verdriet of angst bijvoorbeeld, maar meer de gevoelens die moeilijk uit zijn te leggen en misschien zelfs moeilijk te vangen zijn. Gevoelens die bij je horen en bij je op bezoek komen als je getriggerd wordt door iets wat je hoort, ziet, denkt of ervaart. Misschien zijn het trauma’s? Mijn doel is om deze uit te drukken via dansers. Het lichaam gebruiken als instrument om emoties en gevoelens te verbeelden.

De gemaakte beelden print ik uit en edit ik in mijn huiskamer op de grond. Door de beelden neer te leggen en te sorteren, krijg is soms wat meer duidelijkheid.

Maar wat voor mij zo duidelijk is, zal niet zo duidelijk zijn voor mensen die niet dansen, of niet geïnteresseerd zijn in dans. Hoe bereik ik deze groep? Hoe kan ik ze laten kijken, ze bewust maken van de belichaming van de innerlijke beweging? Als ik beweeg of dans, heb ik geen woorden nodig. Het is er gewoon. Als je kijkt. Misschien is het oké als niet iedereen begrijpt wat ik probeer te vertellen? Misschien is het oké als mensen gewoon voorbij lopen?

De meeste mensen zullen dat doen. Voor mij is het persoonlijk, voor anderen zijn het misschien gewoon dansers. Voor mij vertegenwoordigen ze fragmenten van het leven, van mijn leven. Waarom gebruik ik dansers? Omdat ik, net als vele anderen, een complexe innerlijke wereld heb en ik zo dichtbij mogelijk wil komen. Als ik danste, had ik altijd het gevoel dat ik het dichtst in de buurt kwam van wat ik precies wilde zeggen. Het vertaalde mijn innerlijke beweging. Woorden kunnen helpen om iets te begrijpen, maar de beweging van een danser is verfijnder.

De afgelopen zes jaar is er veel gebeurd en tegelijkertijd moest ik stoppen met dansen omdat ik psychisch en emotioneel een burn-out kreeg. Dus begon ik te fotograferen en te schrijven. Wat me hielp om me op iets anders te concentreren, om me af en toe niet bezig te houden met de dingen die er om me heen en in mezelf gebeurden. Maar de laatste twee jaar realiseerde ik me dat om te genezen of te herstellen, ik er juist doorheen moest. Maar de enige manier waarop ik gewend was dat te doen, was door te dansen of dans te maken.

Ik begon tegen mijn eigen verwachtingen in steeds meer met dansers te werken. Het eerste wat een van mijn docenten tegen me zei toen hij de de beelden zag, waarvan ik denk dat ze deel uit gaan maken van mijn afstudeerproject, was: 'Je bent nooit gestopt met dansen.' Dat waren magic words voor mij, het raakte me en motiveerde me om door te gaan. En nu zoek ik een manier hoe ik dansers niet alleen registreer, maar hoe ik via hen fysiek een verhaal kan vertellen. Als een choreograaf. Het werk gaat dus niet over dans. Het gaat over het vastleggen van emoties en een verhaal vertellen met het lichaam als middel. Ik ben er nog niet, het is een proces. Die ik graag heroverweeg en herschrijf. Net zo lang als nodig is om bij de juiste vertaling te komen. Ik hoop dat de kijker herkenning kan vinden of misschien zelfs inspiratie over hoe we onze verhalen kunnen vertellen. Uiteindelijk is het universeel. En dat is het mooie, voor de belichaming van die innerlijke bewegingen heb je geen woorden nodig. Je hoeft alleen maar te voelen.

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