Pre-order the book 27 Drafts now
Life has a way of shaping who we become through all we experience.
A defining moment for me was when I was sexually abused by two individuals during my high school year in the U.S. This devastating event not only influenced how I interact with others but also reshaped my perception of intimacy. In “27 Drafts", I visually articulate this inner battle
Pre-order the book 27 Drafts now
Life has a way of shaping who we become through all we experience.
A defining moment for me was when I was sexually abused by two individuals during my high school year in the U.S. This devastating event not only influenced how I interact with others but also reshaped my perception of intimacy. In “27 Drafts", I visually articulate this inner battle of dealing with my body, identity and feminity. Hi, my name is Simone Engelen. I’m an Amsterdam based artist exploring ways to quiet the mind. Shaped by my time living in a Japanese Buddhist monastery, I aim to capture and evoke stillness, inviting the viewer to pause and engage with the essence of being.
My inward journey began with shame, and led me to develop coping mechanisms involving addiction, anger and control issues. In 2022 I decided to go back to the U.S. with my mom to find closure. It evolved into an exploration of a past life, in which I used my camera as a filter to create necessary distance and engage in conversations we had long avoided. The title refers to the 27 attempts I have made to put into words the impact of this assault - with expressions of anger, reflections of pain or simply seeking ways to share this single event - that shaped the most formative years of my life.
Together with graphic designer Hans Gremmen and publishing house Fw:Books, we are now transforming this journey into an approximately 120-page publication. The design so far, reminiscent of a school notebook or diary, provides a seemingly simple yet powerful contrast to the depth of the content. By publishing this story,I hope that my way of dealing with a sexual trauma can help others in their struggle too. To bring this project to life and cover printing costs, I’m seeking your support.
By contributing in advance, you secure a copy of the book, with greater support, you can choose a print of your preference to accompany it. Your backing is not just a contribution; it is a meaningful investment in a narrative to foster sexual healing and understanding.
Thank you for considering being a part of my journey.
Nieuwste donaties
Christophe
22-03-2024 11:33Het is een heel bijzonder en persoonlijk project, ik wens dat het jou helpt om dit kapittel van jouw leven te kunnen afsluiten!
Jamey
22-03-2024 10:42als buitenstaander kan ik alleen maar proberen in te denken hoe zwaar je journey moet zijn geweest. Ik wens je closure toe, rust en vrede 🧡
Suzan
22-03-2024 10:17Lieve Simone! Het is bijna zover, je mag zo ontzettend trots zijn op jezelf 🤍