From 17 November to 16 December 2025, the Open Eyes Foundation presented the public exhibition KIJK! ONS at Zuidplein in Rotterdam. Displayed in one of the city’s busiest public spaces, the exhibition highlighted the strength, resilience, and talents of young people with disabilities.
Too often, disability is the first thing people notice. KIJK! ONS challenged this perspective by shifting the focus from limitations to identity, ambition, and creativity. Through powerful portraits and personal stories, visitors were invited to pause and rethink what “ability” truly means.
The exhibition featured Demi, Erhun, Imaibell, Ingo, Jun Jun, Maartje, Marnix, Menno, and Xueli, who shared experiences from school, work, sports, friendships, and everyday life. Their stories revealed both visible and invisible challenges, while also highlighting determination, passion, and individuality.
The portraits were created by Rotterdam-based photographers Eliza-Sophie Sekrève, Frauke van Lierop, Kyra ten Brink, Rosella Fennis, and Saskia Bogarde, who worked closely with the participants. Together, they focused on expression and identity, allowing each person to be represented on their own terms.
A symbolic red thread ran through the exhibition, sometimes visible, sometimes subtle, reminding us that many barriers stem not from disability itself, but from systems and attitudes that exclude by default. Despite our differences, we all share the same need: to be seen, valued, and included.
The full stories can be found at www.kijkons.nl
