Everyone walks the road toward being yourself, a road toward the freedom to be who you are. 

For some, this road is short and clear, and for others long, with many detours and obstacles. For Inge, this road was neither short nor straightforward. With many bumps, mental health struggles, poor physical health, and the processing of trauma, Inge was ultimately able to give their identity space. Taking up space for yourself, showing yourself fully as you are, and standing up for yourself took a lot of time and inner work for Inge. But now that they have come into focus with their gender identity and can express themself creatively through personal art, they experience true freedom in being themself. This work visualizes the long journey and the multitude of obstacles through found objects, yarns, and textiles.

Inge wishes every (queer) person strength and trust on their own journey toward freedom. It is not an easy path, but it is worth being yourself.

Exhibited during Utrecht Queer Culture Festival 2024.

The four smaller pieces “There I grow series” have derived from this work and share the message of emerging from darkness to grow. Those were also exhibited at NAR july 2025.