Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Presents Tina Farifteh's 'Document Nederland 2025' on Asylum
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is set to unveil its 50th annual "Document Nederland" photography commission, this year featuring the work of Iranian-Dutch artist Tina Farifteh. Titled "Tina Farifteh Photographs Asylum," the exhibition offers a poignant exploration of the asylum process in the Netherlands. Visitors can experience this significant exhibition from November 1, 2025, to January 11, 2026.
A Human Perspective on Asylum in the Netherlands
Farifteh's compelling work centers on a man identified only by his initial, B., who has experienced immigration detention and a stay at the Ter Apel asylum complex, and is currently navigating the asylum procedure. Through her art, Farifteh aims to prompt a deeper understanding of the Dutch asylum system, raising questions about its original purpose and its contemporary impact. Her lens captures the often stark and challenging environments within these facilities.
Exhibition Details and Artistic Approach
The exhibition features both photographs and two videos where B. acts as the narrator, effectively reversing the traditional gaze on asylum seekers by allowing his voice and perspective to guide the narrative. A notable element is a portrait of B. obscured by frosted glass; his identity will be revealed only when he feels secure enough. Farifteh gained special access to the Schiphol Detention Centre, part of the Schiphol Judicial Complex, and the Ter Apel asylum complex, documenting cells, observation rooms, and other architectural aspects of these locations. In one of the videos, B. shares his personal account of his time in these settings.
About Photographer Tina Farifteh
Tina Farifteh is a renowned photographer, filmmaker, and visual artist whose body of work consistently examines the influence of power structures on individual lives. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Art, The Hague, and Erasmus University, Rotterdam, her previous installations include "The Flood" (2021) and the short documentary "Kitten or Refugee?" (2023), for which she earned the 2024 Silver Camera for Storytelling.
Fifty Years of Document Nederland Photography
The "Document Nederland" commission, a cornerstone of the Rijksmuseum's annual programming, celebrates its half-century mark this year. Since 1975, the museum has invited a Dutch photographer to visually interpret a current, socially relevant theme. Over the decades, this initiative has amassed more than 3,000 photographs for the Rijksmuseum collection, providing a unique and evolving visual archive of significant events and developments in Dutch society. Esteemed photographers such as Ed van der Elsken, Hans Aarsman, and Dana Lixenberg have contributed to this ongoing series.
Document Nederland Junior: Youth Photography
Running concurrently with the main exhibition, the Rijksmuseum's photography gallery also hosts "Document Nederland Junior." This annual competition invites students from secondary and vocational education to explore the same theme as the primary commission. Ten selected young photographers participate in a masterclass led by Tina Farifteh and museum experts, with their resulting works displayed in the gallery.
This exhibition offers a crucial and timely perspective for visitors to the Rijksmuseum. For those planning a cultural journey through the city, Musemap (musemap.art) provides insights into various attractions. You can discover more museums in Amsterdam or browse other current exhibitions to enhance your visit.
