Simone Engelen — 27 drafts

Simone Engelen: “A defining moment for me was when I was sexually abused by two individuals during my high school year in the U.S. This devastating event not only influenced how I interact with others but also reshaped my perception of intimacy. In ‘27 Drafts’, I visually articulate this inner battle of dealing with my body, identity and feminity. My inward journey began with shame, and led me to develop coping mechanisms involving addiction, anger and control issues. In 2022 I decided to go back to the U.S. with my mom to find closure. It evolved into an exploration of a past life, in which I used my camera as a filter to create necessary distance and engage in conversations we had long avoided. The title refers to the 27 attempts I have made to put into words the impact of this assault; simply seeking ways to share this single event – that shaped the most formative years of my life.”