JOUWJA

When a child holds a newborn sibling for the first time, something shifts. A sense of responsibility appears as their usually clumsy hands cradle the baby with care. These moments, often captured in family albums, mark the beginning of a new bond.

In Jouwja—the way my brother Daan pronounces my name—I revisit our family archive with him in mind. Daan experiences the world differently than my other three siblings and I. Through visual research, I explore how those early connections continue to shape our present relationship. For Daan, the past holds a special meaning. He often looks back at old photos, wishing things could stay the same.

Daan lives in a silent world and may one day lose his sight. Hands are essential—they guide him, communicate for him, and offer reassurance.

Yet questions arise. Where is the balance? What happens when some hands disappear? And where does support end, and Daan’s independence begin?

//

Jouwja was launched as a self-published artist book in December 2024.