This exhibition brings together five self-portraits from the photo series of the same name. They are about connection and loneliness.

melanie bonajo is a well-known Dutch artist who creates work that goes against the current. They work with various art forms, such as film, photography, performance and installations. bonajo looks at the world from a queer, feminist and anti-racist perspective. Much of their work concerns power structures, control, exclusion and exploitation on the basis of discrimination. Nowadays, they focus mainly on physical intimacy.

Photo series Thank you for hurting me, I really needed that

This series of photos started in 2005 and is about connection and loneliness. Over many years, the artist photographed themself when they felt sad or hurt. These are not cheerful or alluring selfies. bonajo shows a glimpse of harsh reality and the real body. Red patches, dry lips, tear-filled eyes: it’s no traditional picture of beauty.

Sadness captured

By repeatedly recording sadness, they also show that it’s a normal emotion. Their face is not ugly. Sadness is allowed, and crying for a while helps you feel better. This gives the title a double meaning. It’s not only cynical. Maybe the artist really needed a good cry and is sincerely thankful.

Header: melanie bonajo, Thank you for hurting me, I really needed that, 2005, photo, 70 x 105 cm. Collection Bonnefanten, acquired with support from the Mondriaan Fonds