Installations

Through the years I have created installations for many spaces chosen for their unique character. The works are a response to the space itself. Themes deal with energy, and transformation: the materials are simple and have a fragile quality.

In the photographic installations the images reflect on space, temporality, and the non-material.

 



To Become Nameless

The Water Tower, an exhibition space for contemporary art located in a former water tower, Vlissingen, NL. 1999

This installation consisted of a series of photographs of shadows on the water. The works were light and playful, reflecting on the feeling of becoming one with the perpetual rhythm of the sun and sea.
 
 Rectangular frames: 39 x 28 x 3 inch (100 x 70 x 6cm), round frame: 28 x 28 x 3 inch (60 x 60 x 6cm)



Why is the Sky Blue?

The Waag, an exhibition space for contemporary art located in a 16th century architectural monument, Leiden, NL. 1993

I was asked by the curator to create a work on the theme “the wall”. As I considered the concept, the thought struck me “what is behind the wall?” In response to the windowless space I created seven large photographs of unending, blue skies in zinc frames. Text sandblasted on the glass of the three round frames enhanced the poetic quality of the work.

4 rectangular photos: 60 x 48 x 4 inch (150 x 120 x 8cm), round photos: diameter, 39 x 39 x 4 inch (100 x 100 x 8cm).
When Stars Were Formed

The Chapel Gallery, an exhibition space for contemporary art located in a former catholic chapel, Groningen, NL. 1989

This installation consisted of seven columns placed in a circle in front of the original, stone altar in the center of the space. Inside each blue column was a different star-like form of zinc. A circular, time-lapsed photograph of the night sky in a zinc frame was placed in a recess in the alter where the chapel’s sacred stone once laid. The work was illuminated with a soft, cold, blue, light in the dark windowless, space. This installation was a response to the massive, scared alter and the experience this space elicited of the infinite and the finite.

Columns of hand painted heavy paper: 42 x 10 inch, (106 x 25cm) zinc “stars” 10 x 10 inch (25 x 25cm), zinc frame with photograph: 14 x 14 inch (35 x 35cm).
The Space Between / Room One   

Warehouse 4, east harbor of Amsterdam NL. The former warehouse was used for many years to store wood brought by boat from Russia. 1987 

The project was located in three connecting concrete rooms under the immense warehouse. The experience of the dimly lit, still, subterranean rooms was intensified by each sound that echoed loudly. This reverberating sound inspired the works.

Wall drawings with powdered pigment, 8 x 4 feet
(2.4 x 1.21m)

 

Where Is Home?

The Portiersloge (gate-keepers office) of the Grafic Studio Gallery located in a former historic cigar factory, Den Bosch, NL. 2008

A photographic installation based on the theme Fernweh, a German word meaning “a longing for a place far away”. The work speaks of my yearning for a place of the spirit in nature; which is imbued with a sense of wonder.

Where is home? Where is home?
Seven Works for Seven Rooms / Room 6

De Brandweer Kazerne (firehouse), a 17th century building, Amsterdam NL. 1986

The building was partially demolished and the elements of nature had crept in; wind and rain had entered the architectural environment freely. The atmosphere was raw and inhospitable. Using discarded materials found on site, I constructed works to reflect the unique energy of each space.

Spiral made of tarpaper and nails, 24 x 7 feet (7.31 x 2.13m)