The work of photographer Gilleam Trapenberg (1991) focuses on his homeland. Here, we see two teenagers on a volcanic beach in Curaçao. They're looking out over the ocean. It's a remote place that locals like to visit, far away from mass tourism.
This beach is one of Trapenberg's favourite spots on the island. The image symbolises an important decision island teens must make after finishing high school. ‘Growing up in Curaçao, you always wonder what the rest of the world is like. After high school, you're faced with the question: will you stay on the island, or will you pursue studies elsewhere?’
Trapenberg is intrigued by the dominant visual culture surrounding the Caribbean, in which the islands are often portrayed as a utopian paradise.
‘In an area where tourism is increasing so rapidly, and many beaches are at risk of being commercialised against the locals’ wishes, I think it's important to show a side of Curaçao that is less visible.’
‘Curaçao nature is often presented differently from what it is. I would like to show the real island. Curaçao has a harsh nature; many beaches are made up of brown pebbles or black sand. This raw side is the very thing that makes the island so beautiful and unique.'
The photographer believes it’s important to show that the Kingdom of the Netherlands is more than just The Netherlands as a country. ‘Curaçao is part of it too, and has its own history and challenges.'
Gilleam Trapenberg left Curaçao for The Netherlands when he was nineteen. He studied at the art academy in The Hague and lives in Amsterdam. His work has been shown at the Foam photography museum and the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam.