The Europeans is a portrait of modern Europe. Traveling from region to region and from theme to theme in this multi-year project, photographer Rob Hornstra and writer and filmmaker Arnold van Bruggen will create a 21st century time piece on the European Heartland.
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“There’s always something about your neighbourhood. Where I grew up you couldn’t even peacefully walk around if you’re from another yard. When you travel more or grow up, you see these blocks are the same everywhere. You share the same problems. Then you realise, we are all the same”
Kotryna, The Former Capital“We have fewer reasons to revolt than the generations before. We respect the militants of the past. They lived under a repressive regime and times were difficult. The economy in Europe is so connected now. I don’t know whether independence is a good idea.”
Jean, Our Ancestral Home
“When I first brought my boyfriend to meet my parents, my mum asked if his colour washed off in the shower. White people build huge holiday homes around Africa. But they still bad-mouth the locals, even as they take over their country.”
Liandra, The Naval Base“It's scary not knowing if you'll have enough money tomorrow for the food my daughter needs. It affects your basic sense of security, which is very stressful.”
Nina, The Black Country
“I don’t understand it – the whole idea that only one kind of person should be allowed to live here,” he says. I think it’s unpatriotic. It’s stupid. We should be happy that others see opportunities here, opportunities that we sometimes might not even see ourselves.”
Pijus, The Former Capital
“I’m the fourth generation that’s been around here. There were 11 butcher shops up here. We’re the last one. Isn't that the story everywhere? The high street is fading and dropping down on its feet.”
Tony Green, The Black Country“I think a brothel is more respectful than trying to hit on a drunk girl in a bar, or on an app, and then disappearing. We fulfil a certain function for the navy. A place like this will always be needed. We’re the oldest profession in the world.”
Ylona, The Naval Base“We continue to be inundated by propaganda from abroad, about mistakes in our past, about how we have to adapt. Foreigners try to force ideas about families and children on us. They want us to take in refugees. Open borders are good, but we must be able to make our own rules.”
Kęstutis, Quote Former Capital“It's hypocritical. Without immigrants, agriculture would collapse, yet they treat us badly. But, within ten years, racism will hurt them because African children will grow up here and will be part of society.”
Khadim, The Plastic Sea
“Everything is disappearing. All the buildings, all our heritage. The government floods us with migrants so that they can call us racist and make us less important. We want our country back the way it was. With factories.”
Protester, The Black Country