Miriam van Wezel

Artworks by Miriam van Wezel

Connection

The work "Connection" is part of a bigger body of work called "The Orua Bay Series". Started in 2007 the series is based on the identification, sourcing and use of 6 colours of natural pigments; two yellow and two red ochres, a grey clay and a black sand. They were found in Orua Bay, within a 100 metres radius, which is part of the Manukau Harbour, south west of Auckland, New Zealand. Its soft sandstone cliffs are constantly shifting, moving, and changing shape, caused by erosion. This powerful physical environment is the source of inspiration for a body of work that wants to engage with the material as it is, be guided by its inherent characteristics and be open to unintentional results.

The diversity of this material might allow associations to be made between earthly matter and human matter, that which forms the link.

It might lead to questions about skin/race/colour or about connection/disconnection to ourselves, to our environment (not only our natural environment).

'Connection' 2008   1350x64mm

Base Work

In "Base Work" the viewer is asked to actually engage with the work, to feel that different colours/materials can give an appreciation of each different texture. It allows us to question our preconceived ideas and offers us surprises.

When the natural pigment is applied on canvas a different process seems to unfold. The initial creases were created by a washing process after which the pigments were applied and sanded. An almost leathery skin emerges, blurring the boundary between skin and landscape, again. the fine hand-stitched line aims to create a change of scale, drawing and inviting you into the work, offering an experience of slowing down, of staying with the next step and of possibly a meditation inwards.

'Base Work' 2007   900x556mm

Museum Photon

Invitation to Museum Photon / Artist statement: The 16-Hour Day

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