Diversity in East Frisia

A portrait series about perspective, assumptions and the quiet power of meeting someone without labels. Exhibited in East Frisia, printed in 40x60 cm, presented without names, origins or identifiers.

Author

Kathrin

Date

November 28, 2025

Democracy grows where people take time to see each other.
Where differences are not threats but opportunities – and where we question the little boxes we put others into.

Diversity in East Frisia was created to capture exactly that moment.
Each session lasted about 15 minutes. No styling, no distractions.
Just one person, one camera, one honest smile – and the question: What do you truly see?

All portraits follow a strict visual approach: black-and-white, dark clothing, neutral backdrop.
No clues about origin, culture, orientation or disability.
Just eyes, expression and the traces of a lived life.

No items found.

Each portrait was accompanied by an anonymous questionnaire.
The answers speak about belonging, struggles, identity, home, freedom, hopes – and the things that remain unsaid.

In the exhibition, image and text are shown separately, without any link between them.
No one knows which answer belongs to which face.
That’s intentional:
We think we can classify people based on appearance.
But once all visual markers disappear, we are left with what actually matters — the human being behind the assumptions.

This project challenges the speed with which we judge and categorize.
It invites us to look slower, think softer and approach others with real curiosity.

This project shows that diversity doesn’t need volume to make an impact. Sometimes, all it takes is a face that reveals nothing — and everything — depending on how willing we are to see it.

If you're looking for visual projects that explore identity, humanity and connection — let’s create something meaningful together.