Detour Guides
Meet the Detour Guides
Esmée Dros
(she/her) | English, Dutch
Graphic designer Esmée Dros focuses on telling stories (that need to be told) in her work. She researches how to create connections between imagery and meaning. She works in various forms, from designing figures in different colours in publications, to designing forms of conversation. Esmée is curious by nature. She loves the sun, going to the market and working with people from different disciplines.
"As a Detour Guide, I would like to use my design practice in order to create something small, together with visitors, so that they always go home with a self-made visual memory."
Giovanni Maisto Ferreira
(he/they) | English, Dutch, German
Giovanni Maisto Ferreira is a multidisciplinary artist. Their creative process is translated to 3D objects, spatial design and also performance. Giovanni’s favourite things are dancing, hugs, laughing and making other people laugh. Giovanni can be addressed with they/them and he/him.
"I want visitors to experience an exhibition with more intention, by focusing more on their feelings."
Joran Koster
(he/him) | English, Dutch
Detour Guide Joran Koster has an inherent love for discovering new perspectives in the world around us. This manifests itself in unexpected encounters with people on the street or on the bus, or through collecting items such as car tickets, for which he scours the entire city. Participants of a Detour with Joran will leave with new insights about themselves and others. He creates an environment in which there's not a question you can't ask and where together something meaningful will always come to fruition.
"What I like most about my work as a creative is that I can converse about all sorts of things with groups of people."
Laura Grimm
(she/her) | English, Dutch
A “self-organising artist” is how Detour Guide Laura Grimm describes herself. She likes creating sculptures and working with textiles. Her studio, the autumn and changing into her pyjamas after getting home are a few of her favourite things.
"A Detour is more than looking, listening and reading. It is a moment when I can connect people to something or someone, teaching them to see more and gain more insight together."
Maartje de Winter
(she/her) | English, Dutch
Maartje de Winter calls herself a ‘handicapped research-based designer’. In her work, and from her perspective as a maker, she looks at topics such as identity and the act of expressing it, and she researches intersectional feminism and queer/crip theory. She is also active within the community of people with disabilities. Maartje likes being in nature, beetles are her favourite insects and Jasmine is her favourite kind of tea.
"I like to involve the personal into my Detours in order to question what it is that makes us who we are together with visitors."
Mean Thangtrakhanpong
(he/him) | English, Dutch, Thai
In both his art and his work, Mean Thangtrakhanpong is always looking for adventure. With a background in graphic and product design, he tells stories using a wide range of materials, from ceramics to plastic and felt to metal. The results are intriguing artworks that tickle the senses. Mean manages to effortlessly combine content and excitement during a Detour, resulting in a unique connection within the group. Take a Detour with Mean and you will leave with a smile on your face.
"What I appreciate the most about my work as a maker is the ability to envoke a magical feeling within people."
Naomi He-Ji
(she/her) | English, Dutch, Korean
Creating worlds is what Naomi He-Ji enjoys the most in her work. Being a visual maker, she does this through (moving) images, but also through performance. In her work she handles societal or personal problems around identity and sexuality and puts them in a colourful package. Her three favourite things are the Korean dish bibimbap, dancing and looking at the world through colourful self-conceived anime glasses.
"As a Detour Guide, I want to bring people closer to themselves and give them the reassurance that everyone can be themselves, in any way they want to be."
Naomi Tuininga
(she/her) | English, Dutch
Having good long conversations with friends or strangers and spreading her enthusiasm is what Naomi Tuininga loves to do. Thanks to her social nature, you’ll soon feel at ease during a Detour. She’s well versed in dance, theatre and philosophy. From these passions, she establishes a safe environment with common ground for everyone. Using art and activism, she holds up a mirror to society. In doing so, she gives light to stories that might otherwise be kept in the dark.
"Building connections between people and ideas is something I see as one of my strengths."
Pia Canales
(she/her) | English, Dutch
Pia Canales is a professional observer of everyday things. Thanks to her hypercurious attitude, she knows a little too much, and thanks to her art background, she knows a little more. Her favourite things are peanut butter, interdimensional aliens, and amateurs.
"I walk in circles, I only walk in circles, I walk in circles for hours, I keep walking in circles, every circle is different."
Shahaila Winklaar
(she/her) | English, Dutch, Papiamento
As an artist, lawyer, and tour guide, Shahaila has moved through the Parade, the House of Representatives, Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, and the Mauritshuis. She is curious about people and their stories, vision and motivations, and her favourite things are free-style knitting, in-depth sofa hanging, and her e-reader.
"A good questioner shows you a different point of view, a vision. An even better questioner starts a conversation."
Wietske Flederus
(she/her) | English, Dutch
If you were to ask her directly, Detour Guide Wietske Flederus would describe herself as a curious creator looking for a connection with others. Her favourite way of finding this is by taking visitors along through a story. The way in which this takes place differs each time: through a performance, installation, (audio)tour or something else. Her favourite things are strong stories, the sound of rain on your tent and the first cup of coffee in the morning.
"I would like to give visitors an experience by questioning our surroundings and thoughts collectively. This could help them see things in their environment differently than they usually do."