http://www.colinavanbemmel.com/

Colina van Bemmel, Amsterdam (2024)

14/08/2024

Lately I’ve been making a lot of cyanotypes, working with the sunlight and my drawings to create new pieces. I am very grateful that I learned this technique when I was at a printmaking residency , as I love the process of making these prints.💙

There is a kind of magic to the way the shapes emerge and the color transforms into a deep blue. It gives me the chance to experiment with multiple layers and time-exposures, so they all reflect different moments that have passed. Of course, it is also great to be out in the sun while making art, so more to come ;)

11/07/2024

I love creating across different mediums, and this year I went from animation to printmaking and back. ✨ My latest project was also an animation showing a dialogue between a human and AI. One of the underlying themes is the expansion of reality, as I like to play with perception and what is real or not. So I did this small experiment, translating that part of the work into a tangible object, a leporello. With this leporello I explore how to create space from a flat surface as well as diving underneath that newfound spatiality. It’s like a small book that contains both space and the void. Looking forward to experiment more with this in the future. 🌐✨

07/05/2024

So grateful and happy to have been on a printmaking residency in Barcelona! ❤️‍🔥Lluvia taught me her incredible knowledge of etching, cyanotype and screen printing. It was great to develop new work as I experimented with these techniques. And in the last 2,5 weeks I got to know so many amazing people, so it was sad to say goodbye but… these beautiful photos by .tat keep the experience alive 🙏🔥💛

07/01/2024

New chapter: .ndsm resident✨
Happy to start the year with this new studio space, perfect to work on film projects as well as on artistic explorations. ✍🏼
Thanks to for helping me put the drawing table together 🔧

12/12/2023

This autumn I went on a short residency in Tuscany, at the Tuscan House of Photography. 📷🍁  It was an intense time filled with beautiful people and creative explorations, in which I rediscovered my love for visual art and found new ways of storytelling through other mediums.

This zine came out of that process, a photographic exploration of nature and the different layers which shape our reality. 🍂 It’s the result of a kind of creativity that comes from letting go of creative control, which is like another voice inside of me. It feels great to be reconnected to it and it reminds me of the importance of such freedom.

Thank you and for having me on this project and to everyone who was there on the same journey🫶

01/05/2023

So beautiful to look at these photos from the very first two events of our documentary program.🌟
It was exciting to bring this to a bigger public, and it was amazing to see how everyone reacted to it. Burlesque touches so many different layers and topics, so in both panels we had long and in depth conversations with the audience. The live burlesque acts brought some real energy to the stage, getting us all out of our heads and into our bodies.

This special screenings are about vulnerability and connection, and we bring different worlds together. Feeling very grateful for all the film theatres that are open to innovation and change, and give space to such an important yet sensitive topic!

More events happening soon, check link in bio 🎟️

WAVES OF BURLESQUE
Documentary

Withburlesque

Directed by
Produced by
Event production by
Distributed by
Cinematography by
Sound by
Edited by
Sound design by Tim Marsman
Music by
Spoken Word by
Poster design by &

Supported by The Netherlands Film Fund and foundation Voor Vrouwen Door Vrouwen.
And everyone else who contributed to making this film 🙏

22/04/2023

Showing the trailer during In-Edit festival. This was a great chance to talk about creative approaches and why we make the choices we make 🙏

This teaser is a glimpse of what is yet to come with the tour of Waves of Burlesque live. Sharing a message that needs to be heard, while we question persistent taboos.

WAVES OF BURLESQUE
Documentary

Withburlesque

Directed by
Produced by
Distributed by
Cinematography by
Sound by
Edited by
Sound design by Tim Marsman
Music by
Spoken Word by
Poster design by &
Supported by The Netherlands Film Fund and foundation Voor Vrouwen Door Vrouwen.
And everyone else who contributed to making this film 🙏

20/04/2023

WAVES OF BURLESQUE LIVE: PANEL

Next to the screening of the documentary there is a panel to dive deeper into the subjects we touch upon in the film. Because ‘Waves of Burlesque’ is about more than burlesque, it also shines light on themes such as sensual expression and the freedom to be who you are. In a time in which burlesque is growing in popularity, there are still many misunderstandings around burlesque. This panel is a way to explore the meaning and relevance for our current times.

These are the people who will share their personal views and experiences:

🎟️ Check the link in bio to get tickets for our first event on 26th of April in Amsterdam .

🔸 LADY MARMALADE
Since its very beginning, Lady Marmalade (a.k.a. Margo van de Linde) has been at the forefront of the Dutch burlesque scene. She has been MC of many burlesque shows, guiding performers and audiences on a process of sharing and connection. Grabbing everyone’s attention with her use of words, Lady Marmalade is a talented spoken word artist. In the documentary we not only see her on stage, but also hear her spoken word as we journey through the film.

🔸 FAE FORTUNE
Fae Fortune is an Amsterdam based burlesque performer, dance teacher and event producer. Burlesque was an important part in her own personal journey of self liberation, and now she helps and witnesses other people transform as they take their first steps. She loves experimenting with moves, props, dynamics and events, this is why she is always starting new acts and projects.

🔸 HANNAH ROJER
Hannah (she/they) is a creative on a journey of sensual freedom through self and community empowerment. She finds importance in looking at these topics through the lens of anti-racism and decolonization. This is why she loves to create q***r and BIPOC centered spaces to help support others on a similar journey.

Moderated by

19/04/2023

LIVE 26th of April

Next to the screening of ‘Waves of Burlesque’ and our related panel discussion, there will be three amazing burlesque performers live on stage! 🔥

⭐️ Let us introduce to you ⭐️

🔸 is not only seen in the documentary, but also live on stage:
Bustie has taken her powerful acts all across Europe in the past 10 years. She is part of the Amsterdam drag house of Hopelezz, and produces the feminist shows P***Y GRABS BACK! and GOSH! (a Good Old Sexy Happening), bringing together showgirls, drag artists and other performance artists in a joyful and political adventure. She also produces the monthly S**t Slam Amsterdam, Amsterdam’s only community dirty storytelling open mic.

🔸.fatale
Known originally as the first woman and not to forget, the first femme fatale, Eve will use her charm, looks and performance to seduce you like a siren does to the poor wicked fishermen at sea. Get ready for the alluring fantasy of burlesque and to be surprised when she gets on stage, you'll never know how much you'll see. ;)

🔸
Exploring the extremes of femininity in her acts, My All is walking her own path through the world of neo burlesque. Known for her layered acts and costumes, she is not afraid to tell a personal story to the audience.

🔸This special show will be hosted by our one and only MC:

Creamy seduces the woo out of an audience, with a combination of spoken word and tease. Together with Fae Fortune he produces burlesque events, experimenting with live music, pole dancing, theater and club nights. From his anthropological background, Creamy Roger tries to capture the essence of burlesque in the fairytales they produce. If a show is the cake, Roger is the cream on top!

🎟️ Check the link in bio to get tickets for our first event on 26th of April in Amsterdam .
WAVES OF BURLESQUE

Withburlesque

Directed by
Produced by
Event production by
Distributed by

Thanks to everyone else who contributed to making this happen 🙏

24/02/2023

VULNERABILITY

Can we feel powerful through vulnerability?

To express yourself means to be vulnerable. But contrary to what some people might think, in burlesque the power actually lays in the hands of the performer. And during a show we see how a slow tease of skin is already creating a strong response in the audience. It is precisely because someone dares to be vulnerable, that they are able to influence an audience in that way. But what happens in the transition moment towards becoming that powerful performer? What is needed to get into that feeling of powerful vulnerability? In this intimate scene we see Linda getting ready to change into .burlesque. She shares with us why it is important for her to be connected with her alter ego, not just on stage but also in her daily life.💠
WAVES OF BURLESQUE

Directed by
Produced by
Cinematography by
Sound by
Edited by
Sound design by Tim Marsman
Music by
Spoken Word by
Poster design by &
Supported by The Netherlands Film Fund and foundation Voor Vrouwen Door Vrouwen.
And everyone else who contributed to making this film 🙏

19/12/2022

WAVES OF BURLESQUE LIVE 🌟

So happy to share these beautiful photos of the premiere. On this night everything came together, as people people got to experience burlesque in different ways: through the documentary, a panel talk and of course some very amazing burlesque acts. It was wonderful to hear the different thoughts and discussions this brought up and I want to thank everyone for being there 🙏 Also a big thank you to for having us 💥

Photos by and Wim de Veer, thank you for capturing the magic.
Waves of Burlesque live organised by .and.roger.present &

Panel & live show: .burlesque

WAVES OF BURLESQUE

Directed by
Produced by
Cinematography by
Sound by
Edited by
Sound design by Tim Marsman
Music by
Spoken Word by
Poster design by &
Supported by The Netherlands Film Fund and foundation Voor Vrouwen Door Vrouwen.
And everyone else who contributed to making this film 🙏

23/11/2022

MEET THE CAST💫

This documentary is not only focused on burlesque, but also on related topics such as physical expression and the freedom to be who you are. These are the amazing people who share themselves so generously in the film:

The fabulous (FR), who takes us on a real journey in the documentary! She shares her own story as well as her vision on burlesque, as she works hard to create change in the Dutch scene.
burlesque (LV) is the spicy alter ego of Linda, who is looking to integrate her burlesque persona with her daily life. We join her on this adventure to be seen for who she truly feels she is.

(NL), this inspiring woman got fired for something as simple as a bo***ir photo. In the documentary we get to know what drives her and her continuous fight against these judgements.

PREMIERE DATE: 8 December TIME: 18:00 @ Studio /K.
An event with .and.roger.present and  Ticket link in bio💛

WAVES OF BURLESQUE

Directed by
Produced by
Cinematography by
Sound by
Edited by
Sound design by Tim Marsman
Music by
Spoken Word by
Poster design by &
Supported by The Netherlands Film Fund and foundation Voor Vrouwen Door Vrouwen.
And everyone else who contributed to making this film 🙏

16/11/2022

SHOW TIME 💫 
It is time for the official premiere night of ‘Waves of Burlesque’
We have collaborated with .and.roger.present and to create a very special evening, where we will celebrate the finishing of this film but also experience everything burlesque! 🥂

DATE: 08th of December TIME: 18:00

On this evening we will explore the meaning of burlesque in our current times, celebrating as well as challenging what it means for gender roles and sexual expression. If you want to know more, check out the event page (link in bio). 💛

TIMETABLE

18:00 Start film in SK3
18:30 Panel conversation
19:00 Break with bubbles and bites
19:20 Burlesque show in SK4
20:00 End of program

LINE-UP BURLESQUE

✨✨✨
WAVES OF BURLESQUE

Directed by
Produced by
Cinematography by
Sound by
Edited by
Sound design by Tim Marsman
Music by
Spoken Word by
Poster design by &

Supported by The Netherlands Film Fund and foundation Voor Vrouwen Door Vrouwen.
And everyone else who contributed to making this film 🙏💛

01/11/2022

GLAMOUR

What does it mean to dress up, to apply makeup, different colours, sparkles, lingerie and fe**sh wear? Often these things are judged and seen as unnecessary or even fake. But seeing it as fake is indeed a superficial way to look at it. The more nuanced question would be if this layer is a mask hiding your real self or if it is something that enhances your real self while bringing out different aspects? Aspects that are sometimes too scary to show, or seem way too far removed from the existing idea of self to begin with.

A google search answers the meaning of GLAMOUR as an exciting and often illusory and romantic attractiveness; especially : alluring or fascinating attraction —often used attributively.

It is fascinating how the illusion becomes reality when it touches the person undergoing the transformation too. It is not only changing the outside world, but also the internal world. During the making of this documentary I heard so many different stories that confirm this. How can we not see the power of these tools, but look down on them as if they are simply vanity? It is so much more valuable than a layer of fantasy. Each and everyone of these people describes how it helps them to become more confident, empowered and most of all to feel more alive. These changes carry on long after the makeup has been removed.

Here we see during a photoshoot in which she adorned herself with sparkles. For her, these shoots are a way to feel better, even though she is suffering from an illness that holds her back in her daily life. It is a transformation that gives her life a different dimension. Regardless of her health situation, this moment lets her be who she really feels she is.💫

WAVES OF BURLESQUE

Directed by
Produced by
Cinematography by
Sound by
Edited by
Sound design by Tim Marsman
Music by
Spoken Word by
Supported by The Netherlands Film Fund & foundation Voor Vrouwen Door Vrouwen.
And everyone else who contributed to making this film 🙏✨

01/11/2022

GLAMOUR

What does it mean to dress up, to apply makeup, different colours, sparkles, lingerie and fe**sh wear? Often these things are judged and seen as unnecessary or even fake. But seeing it as fake is indeed a superficial way to look at it. The more nuanced question would be if this layer is a mask hiding your real self or if it is something that enhances your real self while bringing out different aspects? Aspects that are sometimes too scary to show, or seem way too far removed from the existing idea of self to begin with.

A google search answers the meaning of GLAMOUR as an exciting and often illusory and romantic attractiveness; especially : alluring or fascinating attraction —often used attributively.

It is fascinating how the illusion becomes reality when it touches the person undergoing the transformation too. It is not only changing the outside world, but also the internal world. During the making of this documentary I heard so many different stories that confirm this. How can we not see the power of these tools, but look down on them as if they are simply vanity? It is so much more valuable than a layer of fantasy. Each and everyone of these people describes how it helps them to become more confident, empowered and most of all to feel more alive. These changes carry on long after the makeup has been removed.

Here we see during a photoshoot in which she adorned herself with sparkles. For her, these shoots are a way to feel better, even though she is suffering from an illness that holds her back in her daily life. It is a transformation that gives her life a different dimension. Regardless of her health situation, this moment lets her be who she really feels she is.💫

WAVES OF BURLESQUE

Directed by
Produced by
Cinematography by
Sound by
Edited by
Sound design by Tim Marsman
Music by
Spoken Word by
Supported by The Netherlands Film Fund and foundation Voor Vrouwen Door Vrouwen.
And everyone else who contributed to making this film 🙏✨

23/09/2022

EXPANDING BOUNDARIES.

What fascinates me about burlesque is how it challenges our norms in society. It is giving a spotlight to things that are censored often. Of course, instagram is an important digital reflection of our society. Here we see when she was looking to promote on the platform. But due to the advertising policy her posts got rejected a lot, even when they were not showing any nudity.

What is acceptable and not is sometimes a very fine line. On one hand people want something that is spicy and exciting, on the other hand it should never be too far away from the familiar and safe zone. But in its essence burlesque is about expanding comfort zones. Not necessarily about shocking people to the point where they don’t connect with what’s in front of them anymore, but rather burlesque invites the audience to push their boundaries bit by bit. And this is something that is happening within the community as well as in society at large. Because also the show itself, GOSH! can be seen as transgressive, since it is their aim to connect different communities, such as burlesque and drag. In The Netherlands these two scenes are quite separated so having them in one show is quite special. Expanding boundaries, layer by layer.

WAVES OF BURLESQUE

Directed by
Produced by
Cinematography by
Sound by
Edited by
Sound design by Tim Marsman
Music by
Spoken Word by
Supported by The Netherlands Film Fund and foundation Voor Vrouwen Door Vrouwen.
And everyone else who contributed to making this film 🙏✨

16/09/2022

WAVES OF BURLESQUE.

We have already shared a bit of this beautiful poster, but here it is again in all its glory. The design was done by and the illustration by
It is the perfect poster to represent ‘Waves Of Burlesque’!

In this documentary we will get to know three very different but equally inspiring people. In their own individual way they resist the judgements and standards of society, as they free themselves and look for ways to relate their sensual persona to the outside world.

Especially here in The Netherlands, we are not very welcoming to sensuality. The cultural focus is on efficiency and being seen as down to earth. Adorning yourself with glitters and stripping on stage does not fit into that picture. That is why the film doesn’t only focus on burlesque but also on self liberation and the taboo on sexual expression in general. Because when we see performers, they look so powerful and liberated. And it made me wonder, liberated from what?

I hope to invite the viewer on these personal journeys and ask what they would do if they could be totally free. It is not my goal to be pointing fingers but rather to build bridges, as I believe that is of vital importance in our current times. 💖

WAVES OF BURLESQUE

Directed by
Produced by
Cinematography by
Sound by
Edited by
Sound design by Tim Marsman
Music by
Spoken Word by
Supported by The Netherlands Film Fund and foundation Voor Vrouwen Door Vrouwen.
And everyone else who contributed to making this film 🙏✨

24/08/2022

VULNERABILITY.

Burlesque can be very theatrical and all over the top. In its extravaganza performers adorn themselves with sparkling rhinestones and beautiful costumes that dazzle the eye of the beholder. It invites us to go all in as they express themselves freely, giving the crowd all that they want to give.

But when we strip down all the glamour we get a glimpse of what it means to be vulnerable. And this is what makes burlesque so powerful to me.

Here we see at the beginning of her act . It is a wonderful act in which she exposes herself fully. Without holding on to props, wild costumes or even pasties. There is nothing that might distract her from herself. Only a veil hides her body from the crowd. There she is, sharing herself with the public. Through this raw and intimate act we understand that burlesque is more than acting, as an art form it goes beyond theatrical expression. It shows the essence of the person who shares themselves. No glitter or glamour, just their own shine.

WAVES OF BURLESQUE

Directed by
Produced by
Cinematography by
Sound by
Edited by
Sound design by Tim Marsman
Music by
Spoken Word by
Supported by The Netherlands Film Fund and foundation Voor Vrouwen Door Vrouwen.
And everyone else who contributed to making this film 🙏✨

28/07/2022

TRANSFORMATION.

Watching yourself become someone else. Pasties have become one of the most distinguishing elements of burlesque. Once they were an obligation, now they are a choice. But still they give the person wearing them the exciting feeling of being a showgirl, perhaps for the first time. Probably most burlesque performers recall this moment as having a profound impact on who they are and how they feel inside their own skin.

In this scene .burlesque is trying on her selfmade pasties, these beautiful creations are not just covering but actually embellishing her body. Why do we have to hide it anyway? In this intimate moment Sofia shares how they make her feel more powerful, since she is the one who decides what you are going to see or not. In the mirror she watches herself change into the showgirl she holds deep inside.
WAVES OF BURLESQUE

Directed by
Produced by
Cinematography by
Sound by
Edited by
Sound design by Tim Marsman
Music by
Spoken Word by
And everyone else who contributed to making this film 🙏🏼✨

21/07/2022

YOUR JUDGEMENT SETS ME FREE.
Before anyone truly dares to share their naked self, they have to face the inner and outer judgements that are holding them back. Knowing what they are will actually be the first step of liberation. Instead of trying to please everyone in order to be accepted, there is the opportunity for authenticity. 🪞

This sentence is part of a spoken word piece by the talented margo] also known as Lady Marmalade 🔥 Her spoken word reflects the inner dialogue of the people in the documentary. She guides us through the film, in the same way as when she is the MC on stage of many burlesque shows!

Graphic design by
WAVES OF BURLESQUE
Directed by
Produced by
Cinematography by
Sound by
Edited by
Sound design by Tim Marsman
Music by
Spoken Word by margo]
And everyone else who contributed to making this film 🙏🏼✨

07/07/2022

Sometimes people react surprised when I tell them there is a taboo on burlesque. ‘Here in The Netherlands?’ is a response I have heard many times. True, on the surface we are a very liberal country. However, if you ask the people in this documentary how they see this, you get a very different answer. They do face judgements by a society that is measuring physical expression by a double standard. At the very least it’s frowned upon as unnecessary vanity but in the worst case it is considered totally unacceptable behaviour. This is her story as well. Mechteld had to face many negative consequences when her bo***ir photo appeared in . Not everyone at her job could accept this more sensual side of her and in a matter of months Mechteld got fired. However, as we see in the documentary she still stands strong for her beliefs, doing even more photoshoots in which she shines in her femininity. 🔥

WAVES OF BURLESQUE
Directed by
Produced by
Cinematography by
And everyone else who contributed to making this film 🙏🏼✨

06/07/2022

Headmistress together with Leyla Liquorice during their flowery act. Here Flora is gracing the stage of the GOSH! show, but in the documentary we also encounter her in her teaching role at

She helps everyone discover the hidden showgirl inside themselves, slowly expanding their comfort zone as they gain more confidence in themselves. Many of Amsterdams burlesque performers got their first lessons by her, including and .burlesque 🔥

WAVES OF BURLESQUE
Directed by
Produced by
Cinematography by
And everyone else who contributed to making this film 🙏🏼✨

28/06/2022

Quote by .burlesque ✨

Creating a stage persona for self liberation 🔥

Most of us are all holding back in some way, falling in line with our own judgements, expectations or external roles during the day. These limitations exist inside ourselves as well as outside of us. Burlesque offers an alter ego, a liberated persona that was always hiding beneath the daily surface. Someone gradually becoming more and more bold to be whatever they want to be. This new found self will learn to strip those layers away in order to take on the stage (and world!) In this short documentary we will see how performers relate their burlesque alter ego to their role in the outside world. It’s a different journey for each of them. ✨

This beautiful graphic design is done by
WAVES OF BURLESQUE
Directed by
Produced by
And everyone else who contributed to making this film 🙏🏼✨