In September 2022, I joined a 10-day site-specific research project in the gentrified neighborhood of Bouwlust en Vrederust, The Hague.
The project centered on direct interaction with residents through fieldwork, dialogue, and presence. I’m especially grateful to artists Ruben Abels and Iris Vetter for their guidance and insights throughout the entire project. Their support was invaluable to the development of both the research and the final works.
My main outcome was this video work blending slow visual exploration and local interviews, capturing a fading portrait of the area before rapid transformation.

To be honest, I began the project with very little knowledge of Bouwlust en Vrederust — or even The Hague’s urban dynamics. The interviews, despite language barriers, became my entry point into the lived experiences of local residents. At the time, I wasn’t fluent in Dutch, and most people I met didn’t speak English, but with patience and help from others, meaningful conversations emerged.

The first interview was with a woman who works at a popular local café and restaurant. She spoke in Turkish, and my artist friend Beyza Batmaz kindly helped translate. She explained how the café is much more than a place to eat as it serves as a key social hub for the neighbourhood. Locals gather there for celebrations, casual meetings, and to stay connected with others who share their cultural background. Turkish was a common language in the neighborhood, and the café acted as a cultural anchor for many.

The second interview was with a Dutch man who has lived in the neighborhood for over 30 years. He runs a secondhand shop and offered a long - term perspective on the area’s transformation, adding a personal and historical layer to the research.

This project challenged me to stay open, present, and to really listen—even when words didn’t come easily. It reminded me how art practice can bridge gaps, foster connection, and reveal unexpected truths.

The resulting video was filmed by bike, which acted as a kind of improvised gimbal or dolly. This method gave the footage a natural, fluid feeling — but interestingly, many viewers said it reminded them of the experience of playing a video game, like GTA V. That unintentional “gameified” aesthetic added a layer of immersion I hadn't anticipated, but embraced.