Belgian professional photographer Eva Verbeeck has completed a project across 28 American states, capturing 400 portraits of girls and young women aged 6 to 18, Nieuwsblad reported.
The Bottom Line
Project Scale: Verbeeck produced 400 distinct portraits across 28 American states during a six-year residency in the United States.
Exhibition Window: The completed body of work, titled America’s Girls, On the Edge of a Dream, is on display at Cultuurcentrum De Factorij in Zaventem through October 31.
Publication Details: The collection is published in book format by GOST Books, focusing entirely on the individuality and self-determination of the subjects.
From Tessenderlo to American Classrooms and Libraries
Growing up in Tessenderlo, Verbeeck developed an early fascination with the United States through pop culture, music singles, and magazines. After an initial photography assignment led her to meet her partner abroad, she remained in the U.S. for six years to pursue a long-standing creative interest. To gather subjects without institutional bias, she posted flyers in libraries and schools rather than handpicking participants.
“I found it important not to select myself,” Verbeeck stated, rejecting any preconceived notions of who deserved to be photographed.
Analog Methodology and Personal Artifacts
Rather than relying on quick digital framing, Verbeeck utilized an analog camera for the portraits. This technical constraint required subjects to hold a comfortable pose for at least five minutes, a process that allowed participants to relax or drift into thought.
The subjects were asked to bring an item that defined them. While some participants, such as cheerleaders, arrived in athletic gear, others brought personal tributes. One participant in Pennsylvania wore a baker’s outfit as an homage to her late mother, with whom she used to bake.
“The photographing was a slow process, because I worked with an analog camera,” Verbeeck explained. “I let the young women choose how they wanted to stand themselves and advised them to maintain a comfortable pose.”
Exhibition and Publication Details
| Project Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Photographer | Eva Verbeeck (Age 34) |
| Geographic Scope | 28 U.S. States |
| Total Portraits | 400 subjects (Ages 6 to 18) |
| Exhibition Venue | Cultuurcentrum De Factorij, Zaventem |
| Exhibition Close Date | October 31 |
| Publisher | GOST Books |
The resulting collection deliberately avoids referencing the specific U.S. states where each portrait was taken. Verbeeck noted that geographic labels often invite socioeconomic or political stereotypes that detract from the subjects’ individual identities.
“As a young woman, you look at many images that look the same: the same hair colors, bodies, models,” Verbeeck said. "I give a broader picture of what girls can and may be." It revolves around the right to self-determination of the portrayed girls.”
The exhibition runs at Cultuurcentrum De Factorij in Zaventem until October 31, alongside its release as a publication by GOST Books.
