This collection was made in my new studio. Rather than conceptual topics or thoughts, I focused on my emotions and portrayed them as weather/geological patterns.
These works are a reflection of my internal world (mental and emotional states) and my reactions to the outside world (war and climate crisis). The outcome is an almost earthly portrayal of emotions, sometimes defying the rules of physics in doing so. They speak about the overwhelm that emotions can present as well as the comfort that comes forth from realizing that you are not your emotion. That they are ever changing states.
New here is that I experiment with lighting, dance/performance, 3D-printing and Augmented Reality to further immerse my connection with the viewer.
In SPECTRUM, I continued solo on my journey as an artist. Whatever I could spare was invested in either paint, canvasses or brushes. The pandemic was still going on and I discovered how the creation of art was always a behavior I incorporated to come to my senses. The use of color and organic flows in this collection is very noticable compared to SPACES.
Similar to how we had double lives at home (work vs private), my paintings received a double role as well. UV-light activated paint brings in new depth to “Waterdragon” and "Swirl", igniting an instant popeffect. During the creation of these paintings, some of the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted and we were allowed to have (limited)people in our homes. Stay at home became have fun at home.
Next to having more fun, I came to the realization that creating art attunes me to my senses: sparking curiosity, playfulness, clarity and focus. In that same timeframe I started meditating and learning about mindfulness practices. The canvasses belonging to SPECTRUM can each be categorized into a different type of awareness during meditation – them being referred to as Choiceless, Focused, Investigative and Natural awareness. They can be used as a reminder for your mindfulness practices or as visual anchor during it.
“Splash” and “Whirlwind” refer to Natural awareness through my effort in mimicking the elements water and air. Waterdragon symbolizes Choiceless awareness due a splitmovement that almost invites the viewer to choose a side. The trick is not to choose and let it be as it is. Focused awareness is portrayed in “Gateway” through the heavy use of contrasting colours and by portraying something that almost seems like it has a specific function. Lastly, “Swirl”,is linked to Investigative awareness because the depth only becomes clear when we shift perspectives. (For example by shedding a different light on thesubject: UV-light).
Try these types of awarenesses for yourself – and enjoy the sense of freedom spectrum has to offer. Credits go to Diana Winston’s guided meditation series as found in the Waking Up app by Sam Harris.
The SPACES collection was made during the first COVID-19 lockdown. We were supposed to stay indoors and initially there was not a curfew. Staying inside made us yearn for space, and, in search thereof Wiebren and I (Osman) picked up 8 blank canvasses.
We created without thinking too much about it and ended up with paintings that reflect the different ways the pandemic affected us. We did not know that working together would bring out complementary views.
The surprise of the COVID-19 outbreak felt as if it were everywhere all at once. Strange forces pulled on our mental health and our attempts to stay safe. We were at the forefront of what was still to come, as expressed in “Outbreak”. The canvas called “Contained” makes us reflect on how far the once-infinite freedom we had, then felt. We could get glimpses of what freedom felt like, moments at a time. “Flattening” refers to flattening-the-curve, which is visualized almost as a pyramid dissolving through time and the forces of nature. Time seemed to pass so slow.
The “Distance” duo is difficult to seperate from one another. They are both marked by a layer of threat upon struggles to keep orderly. These paintings remind us of cleanliness, about checking up on COVID-19 numbers and adjusting contacts to observing interaction instead of physical. Sticking to rules and feeling confined. What seemed easy, now was easy to overthink.
The SPACES collection is about sensory experience in regards to the timeframe we were once in. Experiences can be clouded, constricting, full, clear, aerie, explosive, scary.. void of any rules. The paintings in this collection, are the outcome of the artists' spatial need, search and experience.
As you gaze upon them, let them pave the way to the space you need.
"This collection serves as a companion for those in need of physical and mental space. They capture the COVID-19 era in many ways and serve as a recording of what is and has been."
These works are not just visual / decorative pieces. Having had them around me for so long, I see them as my extended family. Signing them off with just a certificate of authenticity or a signature would not honour our connection. One of my dreams is to create a family-tree that contains all of the friends and family who support me. Purchasers and supporters can choose to opt-in and stay connected with me or with each other. If you are interested in knowing more, let me know via the contact form below.
