Behind the Façade is a two-phased project that explores the colonial history of Dutch Brazil. Part 1 of the project, Sins Beneath the Equator, brings together often unheard stories on the history of the Dutch colonisation of northeastern Brazil. Part 2, The Façade, focuses on the traces of this dark part of Dutch history in the Netherlands, with a specific focus on The Hague.

Part 1: Sins Beneath the Equator

Sins Beneath the Equator brings attention to the colonial history of Dutch Brazil, drawing connections to events in Suriname, the United States, Germany, and parts of the African continent.

In collaboration with digital artist Babak Fakhamzadeh and investigative journalist Carolino Monteiro from the research platform Marco Zero, intergenerational stories are developed that reveal how this complex and often hidden history began, who the key figures were, and how this history continues to impact contemporary Brazilian society.

Through digital technology (Placecloud) and audio stories, the past is made tangible, allowing people to listen to stories and explore locations in an accessible way. The goal of bringing together various storylines on a digital platform is to unlock a broader narrative about Dutch colonial history and convey its full complexity to future generations.

Sins Beneath the Equator is developed by digital artist Babak Fakhamzadeh and Carolina Monteiro, founder and director of Brazil-based research platform Marco Zero.

Part 2: The Façade

This second part of the project takes place in The Hague and is led by The Hague-based artist Rafael Roncato and PhD candidate Carolina Monteiro from Leiden University. Together, they created the publication The Façade in which Roncato carefully selected historical images, archival materials, paintings, and contemporary photography. Monteiro wrote an introductory essay and fourteen viewpoints, each linked to locations in the Netherlands, with a strong focus on The Hague. In each viewpoint, Monteiro connects the specific place to the history of Dutch Brazil.

The aim of the publication is to make the colonial legacy of Dutch Brazil – still present in Dutch cities, symbols, and traditions - visible and open for discussion. To mark the launch, a gathering will be held at Nest, followed by a city walk along several locations highlighted in the book. The publication and the walk offer participants the opportunity to view traces of the colonial past in the city with fresh eyes and engage in conversations about the lasting impact of this history today.

The publication The Façade will be launched in June 2025.