Yvela Jessica was born in Haiti and adopted by a white family in the Netherlands. Growing up as a Haitian adoptee in a predominantly white environment left her with questions about her identity. Starting from this experience, Yvela asked herself: how do you shape your identity when you have already lost fundamental pieces?
It Means Everything Because This Is Who I Am  is an ongoing exploration of identity and human connection, driven by curiosity and shaped by experiences of loss.  While combining photography, film, poetry, interviews, archival material, and tactile elements the project addresses the importance of representation. By re-examining romanticized narratives around adoption, the work speaks to people who question where they truly belong.

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