podcast

Talent Talks 2022

with Marvel Harris &

Hélène Selam Kleih

Foam produced a series of podcasts on the occasion of Foam Talent 2022. In this first episode, host and curator of this year's Foam Talent exhibition Mirelva Berghout speaks with Foam Talent Marvel Harris and special guest Hélène Selam Kleih.
From the series Inner Journey © Marvel Harris

For Talent Talks, each episode focusses on one artist aiming to evoke a conversation around their approach and contextualising it within the photography field while not forgetting the personal stories behind it. Each conversation features a special guest that offers an insight into the discourses surrounding a specific project. The series is hosted by Mirelva Berghout, curator of this year's Foam Talent exhibition.

Podcast

About the Speakers

Hélène Selam Kleih is a writer, publisher and model primarily concerned with the politics of language and its ability to elevate the voices of those marginalised, ultimately working towards the depoliticisation of language. Her work concentrates on inter-generational trauma as a result of displacement and explores the nuances of language within mental health. She is the writer and founder of HIM + HIS, a charity and anthology exploring masculinity, men and mental health. Hélène is currently training to be a psychotherapist.

Marvel Harris (he/they) is a photographer born and raised in the Netherlands. His photographic work revolves around his experiences as an autistic, genderqueer, transgender person who has struggled with mental health problems for many years. While suffering from an eating disorder and depression, Marvel started capturing himself with a camera to manage emotions he could not adequately put into words. Observing his life unfold through his work, he realised how photography helps him understand his own complex identity. The resulting self-portraits are part of his ongoing long-term project entitled Inner Journey, and they aim to communicate with a raw honesty. Stemming from a personal craving to connect with the world around him, this autobiographical story, where photography and life entwine and merge, invites others to participate in his vulnerability, offering them an insight into his mind.

come and see

Marvel Harris

Inner Journey

Part of the Foam Talent 2022 exhibition, Marvel Harris' Inner Journey is now on view at Foam in Amsterdam from 15 Sept 2022 until 18 Jan 2023.

learn more
The Feast Inside, from the series Paintings Dreams and Love © Yushi Li and Steph Wilson, courtesy of the artists.

Concept: Mirelva Berghout & Amelie Schüle
Production: Nordin Janssen
Mastering & Mixing: Andersen Audio Productions

This podcast is organised on the occasion of Foam Talent 2022.

The Foam Talent Programme and the biennial Talent issue of Foam Magazine are supported by the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation.

The exhibition is made possible by Kleurgamma Fine-Art Photolab and Oschatz Visuelle Medien.

Foam is supported by the VriendenLoterij, Foam Members, De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek, the VandenEnde Foundation and the Gemeente Amsterdam.

In 2022 Foam receives additional support from the Mondriaan Fund and receives a contribution through the Mondriaan Fund from the Ministerie van OCW.

explore connections

Talent Talks 2022 with Marvel Harris & Hélène Selam Kleih