"How remarkable that this theme can be presented so explicitly in a monastery garden. Every person carries their own cross, and women will surely recognize much of what is depicted here. It offers food for thought and sparks meaningful conversation."
(Anonymous quote from the guestbook at the 'Via Crucis' exhibition at Wittem Monastery)

‘Via Crucis’ is a contemporary interpretation and multifaceted reimagining of the Stations of the Cross—a universal, timeless narrative of suffering, presented here through a feminine lens. Through both imagery and text, the work focuses on the violence and transgressive behavior directed toward women and girls. It depicts scenes of suffering drawn from their daily lives. Instances of violence that might appear ‘minor’ at first glance, perhaps just an image on a smartphone, or events that seem so ‘ordinary’—so commonplace—that many people fail to notice them, passing by without a second thought. These canvases serve as a vivid, brightly colored indictment: they reveal just how deeply ingrained violence and transgressive behavior have become in everyday life.

This collaborative project by Nadine de Burlett and myself emerged from an open call by the Wittem Monastery, as part of the global ‘Orange the World’ campaign, which aims to bring violence against women and girls into the spotlight and open up a conversation about it.

Fourteen striking and colorful Stations of the Cross, displayed on printed fabric panels, were presented in the monastery gardens of the Wittem Monastery (March–April 2026) and the Hoogcruts Monastery (April–May 2026). Designed as a natural, sequential path—a "Stations walk"—the installation unfolds as an organically cohesive narrative, inviting visitors to pause at each station, whether alone or in the company of others.

The stations consist of stylized illustrations interwoven with texts based on individual—yet shared—experiences from various stages of women’s lives. We gathered these stories and quotes from our own circles and networks, as well as from various news articles. The art project aims to touch people, invite reflection, and open up a dialogue. Art in these spaces for contemplation can break the silence, offer comfort, or even provoke confrontation—and, above all, contribute to raising awareness and inspiring action.

News

• Alternative Stations of the Cross // segment from NOS Met het Oog op Morgen (NL) // April 3, 2026
• From text message to femicide: art project exposes women's ordeal // video report and article from L1 News (NL) // March 19, 2026 (read the online version here)
• 'Via Crucis' presents the suffering of abused women in a poignant way // article De Limburger (NL) // March 5, 2026 (read the online version here)

Title: Via Crucis
Location: Wittem Monastery: Wittemer Allee 34, 6286 AB Wittem (NL), Hoogcruts Monastery: Hoogcruts 47, 6255 NS Noorbeek (NL).
Process: September 2025 to February 2026.
Period of installation: March 8 (International Women’s Day) through April 6 (Easter Monday) 2026 at Wittem Monastery; April 25 through May 17, 2026, at Hoogcruts Monastery.
Installation material: 14 printed fabric canvases, stretched between (14x2) wooden posts and secured with sturdy metal bolts.
Installation dimensions: each canvas is 80 cm wide and 100 cm high. Each station (canvas and poles) is 90 cm wide and approximately 190 cm high.
Initiative: Jonathan Wanders, in response to an open call from the Wittem Monastery as part of the global ‘Orange the World’ campaign.
Collaboration: Nadine de Burlett.
Financing: Municipality of Gulpen-Wittem and Municipality of Eijsden-Margraten.
Special thanks to: Judith Boessen, Rasa de Zanger, Lily Ortmans, the volunteers of the Wittem Monastery, the Hoogcruts Monastery and the municipalities of Gulpen-Wittem and Eijsden-Margraten.
Photos: Ivo Vleugels, Jeff Simmelink, Jonathan Wanders.
© Jonathan Wanders