Mariet Dingemans - One Shower a Week

1st edition published by Lecturis, 2024
Format: Hardback, 205x275mm
Pages: 216
Condition: New

*Shortlisted Rencontres d'Arles Book Awards

Just outside the Dutch village of Angeren (Gelderland), nine adults, five children, six sheep, lots of chickens and a dog live together in one house: intentional community De Brouwketel. The ‘Brouwketelaars’ try to live a self-sufficient and sustainable life. They grow their own fruit and vegetables, make yoghurt themselves and bake their own bread. They also consume as little water, electricity and plastic possible, while heating their house with firewood gathered from the land. Almost everything they need is bought at charity shops or handmade.

I photographed and filmed the residents of De Brouwketel over a three-and-a-half-year period. On average, I visited once every two months and often stayed the night. My numerous stays with the Brouwketelaars opened up a new world to me. I was touched by their sustainable and slow way of living, their unconcernedness with outward appearances and relaxed attitude towards hygiene. Spending time at De Brouwketel made me look at my own life differently. Sometimes unsettling, often enriching.