Killing Some Time, Gabi Brett X National Opera en Ballet

This project draws from childhood memories of feeling broken within the structured school system while longing for some sort of freedom. The classroom — once a space of restriction — is reimagined as a stage for self-expression and imagination. The work explores the fragile distance between freedom and structure, desire and obligation.

Presented as a photographic diptych alongside a short Super 8 film, the project reflects on every child’s right to individuality beyond the boundaries imposed by society.

This project was made in collaboration with WAER Magazine.

TEAM CREDITS:

talent GABI BRETT at National Opera en Ballet Nederland
photography MANON DIJKMAN
styling FLOORTJE SARTORIUS
hair and makeup ILENIA MUCCIARELLI
creative direction MANON DIJKMAN
videography NINO STAFLEU

A young woman with curly hair sitting at a school desk in a classroom, looking out the window, with notebooks, pencils, and a calculator on the desk. There is a clock on the wall showing 11:59.

A ballerina practicing ballet in a bright room, standing on pointe with arms extended.

A woman practicing ballet or dance with her arms raised above her head, wearing a black sheer long-sleeved top and a light pink ribbon in her hair, against a plain background.

A ballet dancer sits on the floor in a well-lit room, stretching her legs with sunlight casting shadows through a nearby window.

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