IN SEARCH OF NIJINSKY

Monique Belier

In Search of Nijinsky is a deeply personal exploration of the inner world of Vaslav Nijinsky, one of the most influential dancers of the 20th century. While initially captivated by his unparalleled ability to communicate emotion and narrative through movement, Belier’s focus shifted to a lesser-told chapter of his life: his mental struggles following a diagnosis of schizophrenia and his time in psychiatric clinics.

Inspired by Nijinsky’s diaries, written just before his institutionalisation in Kreuzlingen (Switzerland) this series translates his fragmented and sincere stream of consciousness into visual form. The diaries mirror the qualities of his dance: uninhibited, raw, and profoundly expressive. Yet, unlike his performances, which exist only in fleeting descriptions and a few static photographs, this project reimagines his inner life in new and symbolic ways.

In Search of Nijinsky is not a documentary account of his life—those stories have already been told. Instead, it captures the loneliness and turbulence that came after the applause faded. The photographs invite reflection: Did Nijinsky still dream of dancing? Did his thoughts echo the rhythm and movement of his past?

Through images, I aim to evoke what words cannot, bridging the gap between his physical artistry and his inner torment. At its core, this work seeks to connect with viewers on a human level. It offers a moment of silence amidst the chaos—a chance to surrender to the complexities of mental health and confront what is often left unspoken.