Esther Kokmeijer

Curiosity and wonder is my primary motivation.

The world at large, in all its connections and movements, forms the main focus of my work, finding expression in journeys, installations, interventions, photo series, documentaries, sculptures, film essays, books, and performances among others. I’m questioning the origins of nature through mapping the intersections between man-made and ‘natural’ forms of reality.

In my work as an artist and explorer, I mainly focus on the interaction between human and their natural environment. In many of my works the ‘Global Commons’ play a role. A term typically used to describe international, supranational, and global resource domains. Global commons include the Earth’s shared natural resources; the high oceans, the atmosphere, outer space and Antarctica.
The theme of water in all its manifestations, such as liquid ‘water’, gaseous ‘vapour’ and solid ‘ice’, has played a major role in my works for several years.

I wonder how ‘landscapes’ are given shape by people and vice versa. This stems from my urge to discover, order and represent the world’s (natural) phenomena on the macro and micro level. For many of my works I collaborate with scientists and other professionals from a different background. I’m interested in how art and science can reinforce each other. Among other I’m interested in the coherence between art, mysticism and science.

Other recurring motifs and questions in my work are; How do myths and sagas express and shape mankind’s relationship with nature? How do we relate to and work with the elements and our environment? How do they exert influence on us? What can we learn from indigenous knowledge systems, can it deepen or induce a more sustainable relationship to our natural environment, and will it bring more solidarity with the landscape?