Exhibitions

How do you break through thinking about 'us versus them'? It is human nature to want to categorize the world around us, to put things in place, and find a place for ourselves: How do I relate to the world around me and to others? Do I fit in or do I stand out? And the people I encounter, where do they stand?

Because of my Dutch-Filipino background, I have long been interested in the subject of 'belonging'. I grew up in the Netherlands and always identified as Dutch, as the 'us'. But was that correct? And who are 'they' in this scenario? Over the years I have discovered that society, and how we fit together, is more complex and more beautiful than this distinction.

My painting series is inspired by a quote from John Green: “There is no them, there are only facets of us.” With this I hope to inspire myself and others to look at people around us in a colorful and diverse way. I am also looking for more ways to weave my own individuality into my art. The coloured shell frames that I make are made from Capiz, a traditional Filipino craft material.