Helmen vol Verhalen

What does a military mission truly entail? What are the long-term effects on those who serve—and their loved ones? Helmen Vol Verhalen (Helmets Filled with Stories) is a national project initiated by veteran Amy van Son, aiming to bring these experiences to the surface. In this project, veterans are paired with artists, who translate their personal mission stories into powerful works of art. The helmet, both literally and metaphorically, becomes the symbol for the life lived inside and outside the uniform. The book tells the stories behind these encounters. Each chapter dives into the veteran’s personal experience, the artistic interpretation, and the journey of their collaboration. It reveals not just the stories of war and return, but also of humanity, resilience, and healing.
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Art Director
Dana Dijkgraaf
Editor
Amy van Son
Photographers
Milon Abrahamse, Johan Bergsma, Martijn Beekman, Bureau Beeld, Dave Botermans, Jan van Dalen, Michel van Geijlswijk, Sander Heezen, Hennie Keeris, Jos Schuurman Schuilling, Walter Sietinga, Amy van Son, Jaap Spruitenburg, Wendy Vossers, Fred Warmer, René Wouters
Artists
Yvonne Beelen, Tatjana Kiriënko, Kunstconstructie, Danielle Spoelman, Bas Fontein, Jelmer Zwaan, Mirka Farabegoli, Diederick Kraaijeveld, Peter van Hal, Anook Cléonne, Anders Wolhar, Marian Tappel, Jaap Spruitenburg, Bart Lucassen, Tatjana Kiriënko, Def P, Hans Mes, Renée van den Kerkhof, Mieke van Zundert, Caro Kropveld, Roxanne Monsanto, Mainkunstenaars, Rob Voerman, Sjaak Kooij, Tristan Louwaars, Erik van Maarschalkerwaard
Publisher
Uitgeverij Koninklijke van Gorcum
Image selection
Dana Dijkgraaf, Amy van Son, Erik Dijkstra
Printer
Veldhuis Media

Concept
Helmen Vol Verhalen focuses on the person behind the soldier. It aims to create deeper societal understanding and connection. What does it mean to go on a mission? What does that do to someone—and to those waiting at home? These stories give a voice to veterans and bring their inner world closer to the public.

The artworks and mission stories were not just exhibited, but also captured in a 360-page book—an archive of lived experience and artistic transformation. As Amy van Son puts it: “The artworks and their intense backgrounds are presented as a colourful box of chocolates. A surprising and layered invitation to connect veterans with society.”

What did we make?
We designed both the exhibition and the book. The visual approach, known for its warmth and colour, was a deliberate counterbalance to the sometimes heavy emotional weight of the stories. This contrast creates space. It invites the reader to open up, to look—and to keep reading.

The design blends military references with soft, human elements. Stencil-style typography (raw and rigid) meets typewriter-like fonts and round, friendly text faces—echoing the tension and harmony between two worlds: discipline and emotion. Each duo of artist and veteran receives its own opening spread, featuring a portrait and a satellite map of the mission location, printed in duotone with the book’s vibrant colour palette.

The book is a rhythmic and carefully structured document. Duos follow one another like a journey, interspersed with additional projects and an overview of the travelling exhibition. The result is a layered and colourful object, filled with artworks, archive photos, texts, and deeply personal reflections.

Sparkles
Helmen Vol Verhalen is more than a book—it’s a keepsake, a conversation starter, and a piece of living history. With its warm tones, generous use of imagery, and thoughtful design, the book balances strength and vulnerability. It invites the reader to reflect on the lives behind the uniform and makes a compelling case for the continued importance of storytelling, art, and empathy.

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