One Love, Many Faces – A City in Pictures
Exhibition
In the photography exhibition One Love, Many Faces – A City in Pictures, up and until 1 November, photographers Bianca Pilet and Stacii Samidin explore the bond between Breda’s residents and the city itself, as well as this centuries-old monument.
For the exhibition, Pilet and Samidin look through the eyes of an outsider at new residents and at the people of Breda who have been rooted here for generations. Bianca portrays people with tattoos of the city and the church. Stacii photographs some of the many subcultures in Breda. Through Pilet’s portraits and Samidin’s group photographs of everyday and special occasions, a multifaceted – and often surprising – picture of Breda and its residents emerges.
Opening hours
The Grote Kerk Breda has free admission and is open to visitors almost every day. We really need your support for maintenance and restoration.
- Mon – Sat 10am–5am
- Sun 1pm–5pm
Adjusted opening hours
- Sun 19 Jul 1.30 PM–5 PM
- Sun 26 Jul 1.30 PM–5 PM
- Sun 2 Aug 1.30 PM–5 PM
- Thu 6 Aug 10 AM–1 PM
- Sun 9 Aug 1.30 PM–5 PM
- Sun 16 Aug 1.30 PM–5 PM
- Fri 4 Sep Closed
Visual narratives have traditionally held an important place in the Grote Kerk in Breda. Carved in stone, sculpted from wood and painted on walls and panels, you will find stories here of both people and saints. Through this photography commission for Bianca and Stacii, contemporary visual culture and a love for the city – and for Breda’s iconic landmark – are enshrined within the monument.
THE MAKING OF...
ONE LOVE
THE BODY AS A CANVAS
For the Grote Kerk Breda, Bianca portrays residents of Breda who have immortalised their connection to the city and the church on their skin. A tattoo as a declaration of love. She depicts these people in their own living environments, thereby adding a personal and intimate dimension to the image. Some of her subjects, however, are photographed inside the monument itself, allowing body and architecture to meet in a space that has borne witness for centuries to what touches people most deeply.
Bianca Pilet
Photographer Bianca Pilet worked in Paris for many years. Her work has appeared in international publications such as i-D, Purple and The Independent, and has been exhibited at venues including Fotografiska in Stockholm, Photo Elyssée in Lausanne and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Pilet combines portraiture, art and visual storytelling. She is known for her penetrating portraits and a vision that is both meticulous and intuitive. Her images are carefully staged in terms of light and composition, yet always leave room for chance. For Pilet, the slightly absurd is not a stylistic choice but reality. Bianca lives and works in Amsterdam.
MANY FACES
beyond the stereotype
For the Grote Kerk Breda, Samidin photographs some of the many subcultures that enrich Breda, capturing both everyday moments and special occasions. These may be events known far beyond the city limits or traditions that not everyone is aware of: the Moluccan community celebrating Hari Proklamasi RMS, NAC supporters preparing for a match, punks or rockers at a concert, or the Polish community at the Polish Military Cemetery.
STACII SAMIDIN
Stacii Samidin is known for his insightful and empathetic approach to photography. Through his life’s work Societies he documents the lives of communities with unconventional lifestyles around the world, including for the Netherlands National Commission for UNESCO. Through his photographs, he shows that the differences between people are not as great as we might think.
TATTOO WEEKEND
LOVE IN INK: BUNKER TATTOO
In September, following the overwhelming success of the first opening weekend, a second Flash Weekend will take place in collaboration with Bunker Tattoo. The church will host a session where unique tattoos, inspired by the monument’s rich history, are inked. Anyone receiving a tattoo is invited to share the personal story behind it. This creates a dialogue between the monument, the artist and the recipient.
NEW PERSPECTIVES
The photography exhibition One Love, Many Faces – A City in Pictures is the third edition in the series New Perspectives. In 2024 the Grote Kerk in Breda launched this annual presentation featuring contemporary artists whose work enters into dialogue with the storied history of the church. Maria Roosen kicked things off with RE-BELLE (2024). The second presentation in the series was TRANS-FORM, with work by Guido Geelen.
Route and parking
Coming by train? The Grote Kerk Breda is a 10-minute walk from Breda railway station. The church is also easily accessible by bus. You can walk to us in a few minutes from the Karnemelkstraat or Oude Vest bus stops.
Coming by bike or moped? Then park in one of the free bicycle parking facilities. Improperly parked bicycles are regularly removed by the municipality.
Coming by car? The car parks De Prins and De Barones are closest to the Grote Kerk Breda. Click here for general information on parking in Breda.
EXPLORE BREDA
Before or after your visit, let yourself be surprised by everything else the city has to offer and feel welcome in hospitable Breda. More info, including information on where to stay, can be found here.
