Tim van der Plas, graduated from Willem de Kooning Academy, was selected by the Dutch jury to participate in Lichting 2023.

SECURE THE SHADOW, ERE THE SUBSTANCE FADES: Tim’s collection embodies six manifestations of depression: Shame, Escapism, Misidentified Lust, Communicational Constraint, Finding Comfort In Discomfort, and Mourning His Inner Child. Using daguerreotype post-mortem photography, he visually encapsulates past struggles, aiming to express his battles and convey lessons learned. This collection represents his depression, fostering a wider comprehension of mental health. Each piece involves introspective research, memories, art, and music, as well as theoretical and historical exploration. Tim’s process harmoniously blends personal experience, academic knowledge, and historical context, resulting in a testament to his resilience and a push for mental health empathy, awareness, and treatment.