Most of the people Daleman has captured were never able to profit from the prosperity brought on by a united Europe. While the images tell a story of discontent and poverty, they also show solidarity. He zooms in on families and friends going on an outing together, visiting a fun fair, and gambling in the amusement arcades of the seaside town of Skegness. In gripping images, Daleman shows groups of like-minded people gathering in the streets. A few people at a bus stop in Grimsby who are talking and drinking, and who are waiting – although not for a bus. Young people at a fish-and-chip shop in Hull who are pessimistic about the future, but happy that they are no longer part of the EU anymore.
Uncertain future
Hidden beneath these often everyday scenes lie high unemployment figures, a growing number of homeless people, health issues and a great deal of division. A rain-drenched high street in Stratford-upon-Avon. The fences and gates that people seem to be defending their territory with in Belfast. As a documentary photographer, Daleman knows how to capture significant details. To Daleman, the children and young people in the photographs are symbolic for the uncertain future of the country. They are growing up while oblivious of the fact that their lives will inevitably be shaped by political and economic powers still beyond their comprehension and influence.
Merlin Daleman
Merlin Daleman (1977) has a Dutch mother and a British father. He grew up in the Black Country, the former mining district west of Birmingham. Daleman left England to study at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague, the Netherlands. Having specialised in documentary photography, he now regularly travels between his place of residence in the Dutch province of Noord-Brabant and his native country. This has resulted in a rich archive of images and stories. Apart from doing his own projects, Daleman also works for the newspapers NRC Handelsblad and Trouw. In 2008 and 2010 he won a Silver Camera Award in the Documentary Photography category.
About your visit
Frequently Asked Questions
Skip listThe Kunsthal is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00 hrs. The Kunsthal Café opens half an hour earlier, so you can visit from 9:30 hrs until half an hour after closing time. Check the current opening hours.
Yes, you need to book a ticket with a start time in advance. This also applies if you have a Museum card, Rotterdam pass, or VriendenLoterij VIP Card. This way, you are guaranteed admission and we can ensure that your visit is as pleasant as possible. Book your start time.
Yes, with an online ticket, you can visit all the exhibitions that are on display on the date of your visit. You can also stay as long as you like. You are welcome at the Kunsthal from your designated start time until closing time. Book your start time.
In de Kunsthal Rotterdam zijn altijd meerdere wisselende en contrastrijke tentoonstellingen tegelijk te zien. Een volledig overzicht van alle actuele tentoonstellingen vind je op de tentoonstellingspagina.