Champions is a tribute to the strength of the human heart and the determination to survive and thrive.
(Bastiaan Woudt)
Bastiaan Woudt's Champions project is a series of powerful images from Zambia, realized in collaboration with Orange Babies, a dedicated organization providing support to HIV-infected pregnant women and their children in developing countries such as Namibia, South Africa, and Zambia.
The heart of the project lies in Zambia, where Bastiaan Woudt has photographed a group of young adults who act as “champions” in their communities. These young, powerful individuals play a vital role in spreading awareness about HIV and creating safe spaces for peers to discuss essential topics such as sexual education. Bastiaan Woudt chose to capture these young adults not only as advocates in their community but also as symbols of strength and dignity. Through his lens, he aimed to transform these young people into heroes, warriors, kings, and queens, a visual representation of their indispensable role in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we’ve already raised over €200,000 to help Orange Babies continue their vital work. Additionally, 10% of all sales from the exhibition will be donated directly to Orange Babies. Let’s keep building on that momentum as we strive for a future free of HIV.
We are proud to announce the launch of Champions, a new photo book by Bastiaan Woudt. This project, inspired by Woudt's harrowing trip to Zambia in 2023, celebrates the 25th anniversary of Orange Babies (2025).
Champions is a follow-up to the release of Woudt's 2021 book Rhythm, which celebrated his ten-year oeuvre and confirmed his significance within the world of art photography.