My work draws upon historical and cultural research, focusing on Eastern philosophies. I intervene in landscapes and cityscapes, using (artificial) nature as a ‘stage’ to construct a contemporary story. An interplay between imagination and reality emerges, often composed of self-made artefacts, ready-made objects and human characters. These tableaux are staged as performances and captured in photography and film.
Sen no Rikyu (Zen- and Tea Master 1522–1591) teaches that wild flowers growing in nature are truly beautiful and precious, but that the flowers for Tea are meaningful only when their individual beauty is successfully captured and expressed in an arrangement. As in Ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement), I create detailed staged scenes in which people, objects and their surroundings are carefully balanced and arranged.
Part of the ongoing project ‘Sublunary Spirits’ - Part of the ongoing project Sublunary Spirits over de 'bezielde natuur'
Japan
Hayagawi - The Taste of Tea stems from the heritage and influences of Zen Buddhism in Japanese Theatre and the Tea Ceremony.
Expressions from Noh, Kabuki and Bunraku theater, as well as Chado (the way of tea) are reflected in the work. This is grounded in the devotion for nature and tranquillity present in Zen Buddhist traditions. The Taste of Tea series is set in Kyoto, the historical capital of Japan.
The Taste of Tea is supported by CBK (Centre for Visual Arts) Rotterdam, NL.
Specifications: Ultrachrome print, Maple Frame Indian Ink / Dibond with UV- protected Foil, 60 x 80 cm.
Sublunar - Sublunar
Stopmotion, 0'36" (or loop), no sound
Assistant: Anniek Mol
With thanks to: Daan Hocks, Jaap Hermans and Hans Werleman
Wandering Flock: A Bodily Experience in Unison - This is a registration of a group students in Japan that performed and experienced the Wandering Flock.
With the Wandering Flock I have developed a method where -through a bodily experience- internal and external senses are being addressed on a personal and collective level within a group of participants. The movements of flocking starlings inspired me to create the exercise. The goal of the Wandering Flock is to conduct a moment of collective flow, whereas the moment in-between is as important and valuable, since personal awareness about ones inner bodily senses arises when personal discomfort is recognized.
Exhibitionview at Akiyoshidai International Art Village in Japan - Part of the ongoing project Sublunary Spirits over de 'bezielde natuur'
Schetsonderzoek - Part of the ongoing project Sublunary Spirits over de 'bezielde natuur'
Yata の Kagami - Part of the ongoing project ‘Sublunary Spirits’ over de 'bezielde natuur'
Shindasu - Part of the ongoing project 'Sublunary Spirits' over de 'bezielde natuur'
Zuid-Korea
Acer Palmatum - The Taste of Tea stems from the heritage and influences of Zen Buddhism in Japanese Theatre and the Tea Ceremony.
Expressions from Noh, Kabuki and Bunraku theater, as well as Chado (the way of tea) are reflected in the work. This is grounded in the devotion for nature and tranquillity present in Zen Buddhist traditions. The Taste of Tea series is set in Kyoto, the historical capital of Japan.
The Taste of Tea is supported by CBK (Centre for Visual Arts) Rotterdam, NL.
Specifications: Ultrachrome print, Maple Frame Indian Ink / Dibond with UV- protected Foil, 60 x 80 cm.
