Photographer Thomas Nondh Jansen, adopted from Thailand and raised in the Netherlands, explores ways to connect both worlds through his work. For ‘Dreams for Alkmaar’, he drew inspiration from the Thai festival Loi Krathong, during which people release banana-leaf boats into the water as a symbol of their wishes and gratitude. As he worked on this art route along the Noord Hollandsch Kanaal, the ritual came to mind. What if we brought this tradition to Alkmaar? Could the canal—once a route for trade and transport—now become a carrier of dreams, ideals, and connection?
His photographic work merges a Thai tradition with a Dutch setting and imagines how water can carry not only goods, but also stories and desires. With 'Dreams for Alkmaar', Thomas invites residents to reflect on their own dreams for the city. What do we wish for Alkmaar? And how can we express, share, or even physically entrust those dreams to the water?
‘Dreams for Alkmaar’ was created especially for Triënnale Alkmaar and will be exhibited in large format on the facade of Parkeergarage Kanaalschiereiland.
