"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
Ernst Coppejans Presents
The Virtual Exhibition
from the streets to the heart
See them
When was the last time you saw a person living on the streets, and what honestly went through your mind?
Over the past three years, I’ve traveled to NYC multiple times to truly understand what it means to have nowhere to call home. I had the privilege of connecting with, portraying, and engaging in meaningful conversations with 30 incredible LGBTQIA+ individuals who have experienced homelessness in New York City. My project, ‘from the streets to the heart,’ aims to shed light on their often-overlooked stories.
Imagine what it must be like to feel unheard and unseen, to experience loneliness without a safe haven, simply because of who you are. This exhibition was created to honor their strength and resilience, to bring attention to their struggles, and to challenge the perceptions that render them invisible and marginalized. By showcasing their true selves, we ensure they are seen, their stories are shared, and together, we can inspire change, foster understanding, and celebrate the courage of those living on the streets.
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
The Reason I Developed This Exhibition
I’m excited to share that the recent exhibition in the West Village, New York City, attracted around 33,000 visitors from June to September! The response was overwhelmingly positive, with The Guardian describing it as "one of the most challenging, necessary and successful collections in this year’s Photoville festival." I saw many people moved to tears during their visit and received many heartfelt messages, including one from a local mom who passed by daily and shared a story behind a portrait a day with her kids. This shows how deeply the stories resonated with everyone. The featured heroes finally got the recognition they deserved, highlighting themes of acceptance, resilience, and love, feelings that connect us all, regardless of our backgrounds. Inspired by the impact of these stories, I’ve decided to create a virtual exhibition to share these remarkable individuals and their stories with a global audience. It’s crucial to uplift these voices as they promote understanding and compassion. By celebrating their experiences, we honor their journeys and encourage others to embrace acceptance and kindness. Everyone deserves recognition, and this virtual platform will help spread these important messages far and wide.
Experience stories that will open your heart and expand your understanding of the human condition.
Each ticket helps raise awareness and supports LGBTQIA+ homeless youth.
Witness the strength of 30 individuals who have turned hardship into hope.
See the world through the eyes of those often overlooked, and change how you see society.
Unique Experience
When you purchase a ticket for the virtual exhibition you will experience 30 captivating portraits and street photography. Each portrait comes with a personal story from the individual shown, revealing their life and experiences.
This exhibition goes beyond just images; it features exclusive audio recordings where you can hear these incredible people tell their own stories. Their voices, along with the portraits, create a unique and touching experience that you won't want to miss.
This exhibition is not just a showcase; it’s a personal exploration of the lives of those often ignored, providing a powerful insight into strength, identity, and human connection.
This virtual exhibition breaks traditional barriers, making art accessible to everyone, everywhere. Using multi-sensory storytelling with audio, it creates a deep emotional connection as viewers hear the subjects' voices. Its interactive design allows for a personal and engaging experience, while digital media amplifies underrepresented voices, reaching a wider audience and driving social change. The exhibition is both flexible and accessible for all.
Visitors can take their time exploring the exhibition, going back to the pieces and stories that speak to them, which helps them connect more personally with the art.
about the artist
As an artist and photographer, my experiences growing up as a gay child in a small southern town in the Netherlands shape my work. I faced bullying and isolation, but relocating to Amsterdam at 19 allowed me to live my authentic life.This journey inspired me to focus on the stories of marginalized groups. My photography aims to reveal the strength and beauty of those often ignored, encouraging important discussions about their lives. Each image reflects their resilience and diversity, challenging stereotypes and promoting positive change. My dedication to genuine storytelling inspires me to transform narratives on key social issues, creating understanding and connection through powerful visuals.