ROSEMARY DEKKER – MOMMY
Rosemary Dekker’s (b. 1992, the Netherlands) photography focuses on capturing emotions and storytelling with special attention to close relationships. Dekker’s urgency derives from her own strong bond with her mother. She concentrates on the theme of intimacy within the family and particularly, the relationship between a mother and a child.
Groups of nannies gather in parks to meet one another for playdates and catch-ups. What Dekker was witnessing in Cape Town, South Africa was nothing out of ordinary. In 2014, she travelled there for the first time and the idea for her current project was born. Dekker returned again in 2019 to work on ‘MOMMY’, a project dealing with the unconditional love of nannies for the children they look after. Specifically, the interracial relationships between black nannies and white children are at the centre of the series. Through her photographs, Dekker honours these women who often have to sacrifice the time spent with their own children in order to raise someone else’s child. Highlighted with intimate gestures and touch, her imagery evokes a feeling of calmness and comfort.
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, Dekker had to leave Cape Town earlier than expected. However, as soon as the world will recover from the pandemic, she plans to return to her second home and continue where she left off.