Until we meet again - Selma van der Bijl

Romy’s story is intense. She was abused from the age of seven, which left her with deep scars. She went into treatment when she was twelve for self-harm. At fifteen, she was admitted after a suicide attempt. She was diagnosed for years, but the real traumas remained undiscussed. At 22, she requested euthanasia, a request that was approved. Romy waited for her planned death in a hospice for young people, but when that moment came, panic struck. Did she really want this?

Selma van der Bijl follows Romy in Until we meet again. Moments of hope and resilience alternate with fear and despair. The exhibition shows how this young woman fights for her life, despite everything she has been through. It raises questions: Can she ever heal? Is she better off living or choosing death?

Socially relevant and confronting
The Netherlands is one of the few countries where euthanasia for mental suffering is possible. Yet the subject remains taboo, both in society and in mental health care. Romy's story is special, but unfortunately not unique. Half of young people in the Netherlands struggle with mental health problems, and suicide is the most common cause of death in people under thirty. Until we meet again does not take sides in the debate about euthanasia, but emphasizes the importance of openness. Mental health problems should not go undiscussed, even if they lead to difficult decisions. Romy felt misunderstood and ashamed of her traumas. Her story breaks the silence surrounding mental health, and contributes to much-needed openness.

Selma van der Bijl (1979) captures the story of people's most moving moments as a documentary photographer. For the project 'Geluk(t)' she photographed refugees who are reunited with their families after many trials, challenges and wanderings. With her socially engaged projects such as Geluk(t) and Meeting an Angel, Van der Bijl wants to go beyond numbers, statistics and judgments. She has won several awards, including the Zilveren Camera, the Paul Peters Photo Prize, Alfred Fried Photography Award and World Report Award (Festival of Ethical Photography). Van der Bijl teaches at the Fotoacademie in Amsterdam.

This exhibition is made possible by Mondriaan Fonds.