Artist’s Statement:

This photo series is a reflection of my study abroad experience in Spring 2023, which was set against the backdrop of an 18th-century castle in the Dutch village of Well. Inspired by the ghostly legend of Sophie, the daughter of Knight Pieter Willem, who once called the castle home, I delved into her story. Sophie's untimely passing in 1816 at the age of 15 left a lasting impact on her family and the village as a whole. It has been said that her soul never left the castle and based on some of my personal experiences, I cannot argue.

As I lived within the historic castle's walls, I discovered many secret spots that could have been Sophie's personal retreats. To me, a normal aspect of girlhood is discovering independence through voluntary seclusion; my guess is that Sophie wasn’t any different.

Using 35mm Kodak Portra 800 film, this photo series envisions a contemporary Sophie, portrayed by model Doriana Spurrell, navigating these same spaces. Through these images, I invite viewers to traverse temporal boundaries and connect with the echoes of Sophie's past against the picturesque backdrop of this Dutch historical landmark.

Conceptualized, Styled, Directed, and Shot by. Marina Newman