Belgium,

About the event

Jimmy Bollaerts, respected fashion photographer, and Caroline Quirynen, make-up artist, are revealing Datura, The Cinematic Photographic Experience.

It’s obscure aesthetic character is drawn from David Lynch’s American surrealistic cinema.

It is his style that inspired twenty powerful photographs portraying the Western women’s oppressed sexuality in all it’s strength.

The repercussions of neither being seen nor respected, of women’s veiled pain in not being valued in this so-called men’s world, are beheld in a rather voyeuristic way.

With Datura, Bollaerts and Quirynen are thoroughly questioning patriarchal expectations. Who is maintaining this phenomenon? Should we merely point out men, or are both sexes somehow, whether consciously or unconsciously, responsible for this unequally divided society of ours? Are these strong women actually as strong as they think they are, or do they keep reverting to ancient paradigms?

Set in a nightly décor, Datura shows sensual and lascivious women in a blistering intoxicating haze, a haze they thrive in as no other. These glamorous women, losing themselves in alcohol, sex, drugs and dangerous games in which they play a seductive and poisonous part.  

Poisonous. Exactly what Datura stands for: a fascinating poisonous flower, also known as hell’s bells or devil’s trumpets. Belonging to the witches’ weeds, this exceptionally hazardous drug, or a delirium in experienced hands for that matter, spreads its scent at night alone.

Bollaerts and Quirynens impressive résumé was bound to attract some big names in the international fashion scene. Among others, Anouk Matton, model, DJ and spouse to the renowned Dimitri Vegas, finds herself being a master in the genre, walking the thin line between art and vulgarity that Datura stands for. No wonder Matton committed to pushing her boundaries in favour of this project and gave shape to one of the presented Daturas.

Why should you sponsor?

Datura has become the epic brand of the universal symbolization that recognises the impact of oppressing the female sexuality.

The duo Bollaerts and Quirynen are making this unique concept becoming an international icon, spreading awareness in this subject by the empowerment of art and beauty.

Driven by their passion and convincing ideologies to make the world a better place, they are very pleased to sponsor and collaborate with the charityfoundation "Payoke".

Payoke is a recognized shelter - and counselling centre for victims of human trafficking and victims of smuggling with aggravating circumstances:  women, men and children recruited for the purpose of exploitation in prostitution, labour, begging, forced criminal activities and organ trafficking. Founder Patsy Sörensen and Payoke are now the standard in terms of national and international legislation and expertise around anti-human trafficking. This social goal they are aiming to achieve through empowerment, collaboration and awareness raising, joins perfectly the Daturaconcept.

Being recognised as a succesfull concept, Datura will be a guest of honour at the famous Ciné-Art-Gala during the Film Festival of Cannes to also support the charityfoundations "Wheeling around the world" and "For a better world" under the high patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, who will personally attend the event including an official award ceremony.

*The charityfoundation "For a better world" supports several humanitarian projects in the following areas: Education- Children- Women's Rights- environment- Biodiversity- Disability.

Humanitarian projects supported by Better World Forum( BWF) are managed by the International Peaceful soldiers Association (IPSA).

IPSA brings together more then 80.000 members worldwide, former peacekeepers; IPSA intervenes since 1988 on humanitarian projects for the benefit of underprivileged populations around the world. Its experience in the field allows it to optimally manage humanitarian projects supported by BWF.

*The Foundation 'Wheeling around the world"  raises the necessary funds to fuel actions and projects that aims to improve the living conditions of people with reduced mobility around the world which represents a major workload. 

They receive many support from artists communities. When it comes to defending a noble cause, often artists are at the forefront, as Datura will be at the next upcoming edition of the Ciné-Art-Gala. Many artists knowing about the Foundation have been supporting the Foundation by offering their works of art as donation.These artworks are sold  in auction on the gala-event as well as on the website of the Foundation.The aim of the gala is to catch the attention of the media in order to promote the missions and aims of the Foundation and their sponsors to the general public.The gala is a great success with TV reports, press releases, and dozen of articles on both online and paper presses.

It launches its international public appearance in the Grand Salon of the Majestic Hotel in Cannes, during the Film Festival, the second most publicized event in the world after the Olympic Games. The Gala is a great success with more than 200 people including influencers and celebrities attending to show their support to the good causes of the Foundation. After the speeches of Alexandre as founder of the Foundation and other participants presented at the event, the evening is followed by for a 4 courses menu, animations including dance and music performances.

Datura is chosen as the official artcollection to be presented by the Ciné-Art-Gala in Cannes on May 13th.
We are offering you an exclusive limited acces invitation as a sponsor to be part of this unique event.

This year is a special edition as the organisation and founder, VIP Belgium,  is celebrating their 10th anniversary of this succesfull charity-event.

Jimmy Bollaerts

Jimmy Bollaerts is a renowned fashion photographer, born and raised near the city of Brussels in Belgium.

The beauty of photography has fascinated him since childhood. After a long journey of learning and experimenting, this passion became his profession. Now, just a few years later, he has won numerous awards and his work can be seen in magazines around the world.

Always wanting to innovate and eager to explore if the sky really is the limit, Jimmy strives to create the most beautiful images in his own daring style and with an impeccable eye for detail. Along with his boundless creativity and technical ability, this gives him the capability to fulfil even the most demanding assignments.

In his incessant quest for perfection, Jimmy surrounded himself with a team of professionals who each have a place amongst the very best in their field of expertise. This results in an infallible full package service that differs from the average by quality, originality and individuality.

Are you ready to join the experience?

Contact the Organizer Contact the Organizer