People Like Me: The Duality of Belonging and Acceptance

From October to December 2024, the museum at Kunstlinie Almere hosted "People Like Me," a solo exhibition by photographer Arjan Spannenburg. This collection provided an intimate exploration of the LGBTQIA+ community, specifically focusing on the personal and shared experiences of gay men.

The title "People Like Me" carries a deliberate double meaning that serves as the exhibition’s conceptual foundation. On one hand, it refers to the search for kinship and visibility: finding "people like me" who share a common identity and history. On the other hand, it poses a vulnerable question regarding social acceptance: do "people like me?" This interplay invites visitors to look past the surface of the portraits and consider the universal human needs for connection and belonging.

Spannenburg’s work at Kunstlinie showcased human vulnerability alongside a sense of pride. The exhibition gained significant attention not only for its artistic merit but also for its role in a broader social conversation. One notable installation, "RESTRAINT," became a focal point for discussion after it was physically damaged by a visitor. Rather than removing the piece, the artist used the incident as a catalyst for dialogue. Visitors were invited to use white tape to symbolically heal the tear in the artwork, transforming a moment of intolerance into a collective statement of support and resilience.

By combining evocative black and white photography with interactive elements, the exhibition moved beyond a standard gallery display. It functioned as a space for reflection on identity, diversity, and the ongoing challenges faced by the rainbow community in modern society.