Nadia Marouf

For the Love
of Touch

When we talk about intimacy and touch, we often quickly think about the connection between two or more people. In ‘For the Love of Touch’, Nadia explores intimacy without ‘the other’, using photography and other media. She is interested in tactility and how we show affection towards ourselves through tender movement. It is an exploration of the little touches of sensuality in everyday moments with ourselves, objects and textures.

“This is a series that is very dear to my heart, as it came to life as part of a project while I was going through a deep phase of healing sexual trauma. During that time, every moment of intimacy with other people was a triggering confrontation. And yet I am a highly intimate and sensual person, so I intuitively started finding ways to explore and reclaim that sense of intimacy, closeness and touch in ways that felt safer – without ‘the other’.”

In her belief that objects can have substantial emotional worth through touch and attachment, she also presents a series of comfort objects.

A ‘Security Blanket for Adults’ was the idea behind the abstract objects. As children we get a certain sense of security and comfort from a soft blanket or bear, but as adults we are not offered such external support. This series of wooden objects arose from a need to be able to offer comfort and support, without being dependent on the presence or goodwill of others. Dipping into the concept of psychological essentialism, Nadia believes that objects can offer such a comfort. An object stays with you and is always available.

Out of an intrinsic gravitation towards the homeless, Nadia researched the worth of sentimental objects for those who have no other material possessions. She hopes to be able to distribute these objects to them and have it be an object of comfort, security and hope in a difficult and often lonely situation. For every sold object, therefore, a second object is gifted to a homeless person.

Projects ranging from photography and woodwork to projection mapping. With a focus on conceptual creating, research and storytelling.

Little bits and pieces of illustration, graphic design, collage, and experimental arts. These are more intuitive expressions of curiosities and fascination. 

A diary of creations made without context or concept, a playful exploration and capturing of the world around us. Sketches, ideas, snapshots and some writings. 

Illustrator, photographer, allround Visual creative

Nice to meet you! I’m an Amsterdam-based allround creator, with a passion for photography, story-writing and dance.