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."
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."
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."
Jahi Quasim Reeberg
they/them, he/him Dutch, English
Jahi Quasim Reeberg paints, travels through time and opens portals to other worlds. His Detours playfully explore subconscious connections while representing marginalised perspectives – hopefully normalising them in an institutional context. Using colour, movement or language, he weaves together stories that offer space for reflection, dialogue and transformation. Finding relationships between theories, things, people, colours (and more) is what he enjoys most about his work as a maker, alongside cooking, reading, writing, gardening, learning, talking and more learning.
“In my Detours, I hope to learn as much as I teach. After a Detour, I hope I’ve awakened curiosity about different perspectives.”
Jaïr van Nes
(he/him, they/them)
English, Dutch, Papiamento
Jaïr is a sociologist, interdisciplinary researcher and cultural producer. He is interested in the potential of art, culture and archives as tools for systemic change. Jaïr prefers to describe himself as a researcher and facilitator rather than a creator. Through his collective, Counter/Narratives, he supports Caribbean creators by helping them with fundraising, research and project implementation. Jaïr’s favourite things are Peruvian food (his grandmother always told him that the best food stays with you for your whole life), water and dancing.
Through conversation and interaction, a good Detour Guide connects exhibition content to the audience’s experience.
Leon Stoffelen
(he/him)
Dutch, English
Leon is an all-rounder who knows a little about a lot of things. His primary focus is art, culture and social issues. Through his work, he explores alternative visual languages for queerness, centring them around boundless desire and gentleness. Leon finds inspiration in many different places, from classical art to advertising, internet culture, and films. For him, the most rewarding aspect of being a creator is getting closer to his authentic self. He tries to discover something new about himself in everything he encounters. Leon’s favourite things are summer storms, the sea and pastries.
As a Detour Guide, I want to create a feeling or experience that lingers in the memory longer than just images and explanations.
Morris Bouwman
(he/him)
Dutch, English
Morris sees himself as something of a court jester, with the job of offering playful critiques of prevailing beliefs, customs and societal systems. He enjoys the constant learning and questioning of his views on the world that his work as a creator brings, as well as the freedom to dream about how things could be and to share and discuss these ideas with others. Morris enjoys skipping stones on water, people-watching and listening to music.
As a Detour Guide, I want to help people to briefly escape their everyday reality so they can reflect on things that are normally unthinkable. I want to encourage people to have serious fun and show them that the world and our views on it can change.
Yessica Deira
(she/her)
Dutch, English
Yessica sees herself more as a listener and a designer of spaces than as someone who works within a single, clearly defined discipline. She experiments with the relationship between image and sound, exploring how sound can evoke memories, add context and transform stories. She enjoys collaborating and is guided by curiosity. Yessica draws inspiration from everyday urban noise and baking cakes. Her favourite things are evening walks, colour and listening to the same album all day long.
As a Detour Guide, I encourage people to play with and reinterpret meaning, allowing unexpected connections to emerge.