Green Peafowl and Reticulated Python
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A new set of eight “sopra-portes” or over-door paintings for the entrance of a mid 18th century Rococo style Amsterdam monument.
A house with its history deeply rooted in the city’s seafaring and colonial past..
The JAVA panel
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"The Cape" - South Africa
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Installation Day
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African "Cape" Penguins
A new series of trompe-l’oeil painted, oversized Delftware vases embedded in eight existing Louis XV cartouches.
Each vase representing a specific region connected to Dutch maritime, military and colonial history, is taken over by a company of local or endemic animals, munching away on the fruits in its domed niche.
Together, these plants and animals share a wide array of complex stories to be told.
Discovery .. Trade .. exchange.. inspiration .. extraction.. migration .. expulsion... extinction.. ... ...
Each vase representing a specific region connected to Dutch maritime, military and colonial history, is taken over by a company of local or endemic animals, munching away on the fruits in its domed niche.
Together, these plants and animals share a wide array of complex stories to be told.
Discovery .. Trade .. exchange.. inspiration .. extraction.. migration .. expulsion... extinction.. ... ...
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Protea flowers, Sugarbird, Cape- and Masked Weavers, Pangolin
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The "Java' panel
Tempera and Acrylic on aluminium
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The "Curaçao" panel
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Green Iguana and Hybiscus flowers
Strombus gigas "Conch" shell
There is a long and rich tradition of classical still-lifes depicting abundances of fruit, fish, or dead game. Native or exotic flora and fauna displayed as harvested produce or acquired wealth.
Often one or two domestic or wild animals would be added to such paintings; a dog, cat, monkey, or squirrel serving as a painted extra, allowed a "mischievous" peek or a bite.
I liked the idea of turning this concept completely around in these new paintings; making such staged exceptions into the rule.
Often one or two domestic or wild animals would be added to such paintings; a dog, cat, monkey, or squirrel serving as a painted extra, allowed a "mischievous" peek or a bite.
I liked the idea of turning this concept completely around in these new paintings; making such staged exceptions into the rule.
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Ananas and Cock of the Rocks
- Suriname -
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Kingfishers, Lotus and Starfruit
- Ceylon -
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Hornbill, Triton, Nutmeg and Nautilus.
- Banda / Molucca's -
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Common Marmoset and Cane sugar
- Recife - Pernambuco -
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Nutmeg, Cloves, Black Sunbird and a Long-Crested Myna.
Banda / Molucca's
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Cockatoos, Nutmeg,
- Banda - Molucca's -
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Sri Lanka Jungle fowl, Blue Magpie, Cinnamon,
indian Star Turtle, Peafowl
- Ceylon -
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Blue Ara, Banana, Cane sugar.
- Recife - Pernambuco -
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Cockatoos, Nutmeg, Black Sunbird and a Long-Crested Myna.
- Banda - Molucca's -
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The subtitle “The Others” not only points at all the non human inhabitants of these exotic destinations, but also seems to make a subtle reverence to a 2001 film by Spanish / Chilean director Alejandro Amenábar.. about the inhabitants of a house growing increasingly convinced their rooms are being invaded by haunting entities .. to find out eventually things might be the other way around, they themselves being the actual ghosts..
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- Curaçao -
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- Banda / Molucca's -
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Japanese Waxwings, Ratsnake,
"Momo" peach and Yuzu.
- Japan - Deshima -
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Installation Day
More context photography to follow shortly
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Species Index Plates
Like18th century paper cut silhouettes
Natural History diorama style.
Goldleaf and printed ink on oak panels.
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One next to each of the eight mirroring doors.
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A Keizersgracht Rococo monument
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