'nachtschade’
2023
 
Giclée print on Hahnemühle FineArt Pearl paper.
Size 30x21 cm without white border.
 
The ongoing project "Nightshade" focuses on the well-known, yet equally mysterious, plant family. Nightshade is a plant species that can be both poisonous and deadly, such as the thorn apple (Datura stramonium) and black nightshade (Solanum nigrum). At the same time, it produces one of the most commonly eaten vegetables: the potato (Solanum tuberosum) and eggplant (Solanum melongena). This contrast makes the underexposed nightshade family an interesting subject for research and visuals for a photography project. The photo book "Nightshade" (and other plants) will be published in 2026.

With her images, Heleen explores the intersection of staged photography and chance, with a preference for slightly absurdist situations. She experiments with everyday installations in both still and moving images. By working with unpredictable conditions, such as wind or sunlight, she creates an element of uncertainty that she cannot control within her carefully staged framework.

After completing her foundation year at the Minerva Academy in Groningen, Heleen studied film and video art at the Academy of Antwerp. Since 2013, she has worked independently, both independently and on commission for various art institutions. She has previously exhibited at Grasnapolsky, The Hague Museum of Photography, Atelier K84, Hilversum Museum, and Noorderlicht, among others.
 
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