Vogue Column Updated Interview Published with Photographer Dagmar Van Weeghel

It always gives me huge thrills whenever Vogue publishes my work, no matter how many times it happens. It means so much to me. This time, I had the opportunity to interview the incredibly talented photographer Dagmar Van Weeghel, another photographer whom I greatly admire.

The Netherlands has long been celebrated as a hub for innovative and socially conscious artists. Among the most compelling is Dagmar Van Weeghel, a photographer whose work intricately weaves themes of empowerment, identity, and social history into striking visual narratives. Her artistry blurs the boundaries between conceptual art and fashion photography, creating images that are both thought-provoking and visually captivating.

Van Weeghel’s fascination with the social history of photography, especially its role in shaping perceptions of race, gender, and cultural identity, informs her approach. Her photographs often seem to exist within a cinematic universe—dreamlike worlds filled with drama and symbolism—inviting viewers to engage deeply with the stories they tell. Her work transcends mere aesthetics; it prompts reflection on issues of social justice, historical memory, and personal resilience.

One of her most notable projects is the series ‘The African Princess,’ which vividly explores the life of Sarah Forbes Bonetta. This series is a powerful meditation on inner struggles, regal dignity, and the enduring significance of history. Van Weeghel employs sumptuous lighting and a rich palette of black lace and satins—materials traditionally associated with nobility—to evoke ideas of aristocracy and royal lineage. Yet, beneath this opulence lies a complex narrative of trauma, displacement, and resilience.

Sarah Forbes Bonetta’s story is both remarkable and tragic. Born into the Egbado Omoba royal clan in South West Nigeria, she was only four years old when her village was decimated in a brutal massacre. Orphaned and captured into slavery, she was taken to Dahomey, where King Ghezo presented her as a gift to Captain Fredrick E. Forbes of the Royal Navy. Forbes documented this event with a journal entry describing her as “a present from the King of the Blacks to the Queen of the Whites,” encapsulating the colonial and racial dynamics of the era.

Despite her circumstances, Bonetta’s innate regal presence and exceptional intelligence drew the admiration of Queen Victoria, who took her under her wing as a goddaughter. Bonetta’s education in literature, arts, and music was exceptional for her time, and she became a familiar figure at Windsor Castle, captivating the royal court with her poise and intellect. Her story exemplifies the complex intersections of race, colonialism, and personal agency—a narrative that Van Weeghel seeks to honour and interrogate through her photographs.

Van Weeghel’s series captures Bonetta’s regal bearing through the model Kayote Barbara, a Ugandan woman now residing in Belgium. Barbara’s background echoes Bonetta’s—she was orphaned at a young age and faced significant challenges integrating into European society. Van Weeghel’s preference for working with non-professional models who carry personal stories adds layers of authenticity and emotional resonance to her work. She aims to forge a connection between the subject’s history and the viewer’s understanding, creating a compelling dialogue across time and space.

The artist’s academic background in Film and Photography from the Netherlands Film Academy provided her with a foundational understanding of visual storytelling. Her early career in film and television allowed her to hone her cinematic sensibility, which she later infused into her photographic projects. Her travels to Africa, initially motivated by her interest in wildlife conservation efforts, marked a pivotal shift. Working in Zimbabwe and Botswana, Van Weeghel produced educational films for organisations like WWF and UNEP, which continue to serve environmental and educational purposes.

Her connection to Africa deepened when she married a Zimbabwean man, with whom she had a child. This union brought her closer to the continent’s intricate social fabric and the struggles faced by its diaspora communities. Her experiences of cultural dislocation and identity crisis—both personal and observed—became central themes in her work.

Following ‘The African Princess,’ Van Weeghel created ‘Girls in White Dresses,’ a poignant portrait series set within a South African orphanage. Each girl, dressed in white, bears the scars of trauma—many have never been adopted and live amidst the socio-economic challenges of post-apartheid South Africa. Her use of natural light and a formal, refined aesthetic reveals their vulnerability and strength, capturing their dreams and aspirations despite their hardships.

Van Weeghel’s narratives accompanying each portrait emphasise their resilience and hope. She believes that photography can be a powerful tool for social change, highlighting stories often overlooked and fostering empathy among viewers. Her work underscores the importance of honesty, vulnerability, and the recognition of individual dignity.

In 2016, Van Weeghel collaborated with Lish Jecinta, a Kenyan model and IT professional, on a project titled ‘About Lish.’ Jecinta’s candid reflections on depression and her experiences as part of the African diaspora in Europe resonate with Van Weeghel’s themes. Their partnership explores issues of stereotyping, mental health, and cultural identity.

Jecinta describes her emotional journey—her struggles with the stereotypical portrayal of African women as exotic ‘goddesses,’ her feelings of loneliness, and her sense of loss of self. Working with Van Weeghel, she found a space to express these complexities through powerful images that incorporate traditional fabrics, such as batik, symbolising her cultural heritage and personal history. The photographs are an intimate portrayal of her inner world, blending vulnerability with strength.

Building on this, Van Weeghel created ‘Mombasa Blues,’ a series that captures Jecinta wrapped in blue fabrics against the Dutch countryside. The blue hues evoke her Kenyan roots and the soothing Kenyan coastline but also symbolise melancholy and disconnection, emphasising her ongoing negotiation of multiple identities, cultural dislocation, and longing for home.

Van Weeghel’s exploration of female objectification and the male gaze manifests vividly in her series ‘Le Rêve,’ which challenges societal perceptions of femininity and beauty. Inspired by the tragic life of Saartje Baartman—nicknamed the ‘Hottentot Venus’—who was exploited and objectified in 19th-century Europe, Van Weeghel presents Jecinta as a reclining figure covered in a bodysuit decorated with stars, rather than a traditional nude. This powerful image prompts viewers to reconsider notions of femininity, agency, and the history of objectification.

Her ongoing ‘Diaspora’ series further examines the experiences of Africans settling in Europe. Inspired by the Orientalist paintings of Josep Tapiro Baro, Van Weeghel portrays ordinary Africans living in European contexts, highlighting their diversity, resilience, and strength. These portraits aim to dismantle stereotypes by presenting multidimensional representations that challenge the exoticised ‘other’ trope.

Aesthetically, Van Weeghel draws inspiration from the Flemish master Peter Paul Rubens, known for his vibrant colours, dynamic compositions, and rich textures. While she does not directly imitate his style, she adapts his principles—layering, vibrancy, and depth—within her visual language. Her photographs often contain multiple layers of meaning, woven into complex tableaux that invite viewers to explore deeper narratives.

Throughout her career, Van Weeghel has emphasised storytelling and social impact. She describes herself as a ‘change maker,’ committed to using her art as a vehicle for empathy, understanding, and social justice. Her work consistently challenges stereotypes, highlights resilience, and celebrates diverse identities.

In closing, Dagmar Van Weeghel’s extensive body of work exemplifies an artist dedicated to social commentary, cultural dialogue, and visual storytelling. Her images are not only beautiful but also serve as powerful tools for education and change. Her unique ability to blend conceptual art with fashion photography creates compelling visual narratives that resonate emotionally and intellectually. As she continues to explore themes of identity, diaspora, and empowerment, Van Weeghel’s work remains a vital contribution to contemporary photography and a testament to the transformative power of art.

Please read more in our published post here.