Experience with Groeispurt: Niels Scheurwater - Showing His True Colors

Photographer Niels’s project *Kleur Bekennen* is rooted in personal experience and themes such as safety and connection. Thanks to the support of Groeispurt , Niels Groeispurt take this project to a professional level—both in terms of content and practical aspects.

An artistic manifesto

The expression “to show one’s colors” has its origins in card games. When someone “shows their colors,” they play a card of the suit that’s been called for. But it also means daring to stand up for something. And that’s exactly what Niels aims to do with his project. In his large-format photo series, he touches on the sensitive issues of religious exclusion and personal trauma, particularly within the Bible Belt, where he himself comes from. By presenting the photos on such a large scale, he brings these vulnerable stories to light.

The exhibition is structured around biblical colors, rendered in Latin. Four images together form a narrative. The first three portraits depict trauma, while the fourth shows a dream of an inclusive family: a vision of the future where there is room for diversity, love, and acceptance. Some of the images are reminiscent of classical frescoes—a deliberate nod to religious imagery that is not typically inclusive.

Queerness in a religious context

In the series, Niels portrays queer people in a religious setting. The careful use of clothing, environment and symbolism creates an alienating, but also recognizable visual language. The three-meter-high prints are penetrating-not only in size, but also in content. Each portrait is accompanied by a short text in which the person portrayed talks about his or her experience of exclusion and connection.

In doing so, he gives a stage not only to his own experience, but also to that of many who silently recognize themselves in his images.

What Groeispurt Made Possible

For Niels, receiving the Groeispurt meant more than just financial support. “It gave me a tremendous amount of confidence,” he says. “The guidance was incredibly valuable—the probing questions and honest feedback really helped me clarify my story.”

Thanks to the financial support, he was able to produce the printed materials exactly as he had envisioned: large, impressive, and professional. That was essential to giving the story the impact it deserves.

A tip for other creators

For anyone considering submitting a Groeispurt, Niels has a clear piece of advice: “Take your time. Write out your application and set it aside for a while. Then come back to it with a fresh pair of eyes. Ask yourself: What is the goal of my project? That preparation is so important.”

Follow the project on Instagram at @expo_kleur_bekennen

About Groeispurt

Groeispurt is a Nijmegen grant program for young creators, artists, and performers. The program encourages new ideas and initiatives and gives young talent an extra boost, without unnecessary restrictions or obligations. It is a flexible and fast way to provide support, encouraging new developments and helping art and culture in Nijmegen continue to flourish.