What does art mean to you?
Art, to me, is a boundless world that allows us to fully explore ourselves as human beings, the world we live in, and our minds, without any restrictions.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what originally inspired you to create art?
As a child, my passion for painting and drawing was undeniable; it truly fulfilled me. However, within the structured boundaries of school, this passion was unfortunately not nurtured, which led me to question its significance. But after finishing school, clarity returned: Art and painting are the only things I truly want to do, and they give me unparalleled meaning and joy. That is why I decided to study Fine Arts at the Willem de Kooning Academy. Art became my path to self-development, a medium through which I could vividly convey my perception of the world.
How do you typically approach a new project or work? Can you describe your creative process from idea to completion?
When I start working on a new piece, I usually draw inspiration from my intuition, subconscious, and dreams. I believe this approach brings various themes, fears, and joys that reside within me to the surface. It allows me to broaden my horizons, look beyond the obvious, and critically reflect. Moreover, it is a valuable tool for processing experiences and emotions.
When I paint, I prefer to work in a classical style that still offers a lot of freedom to explore and find my own path in painting and art. I give each painting and work the time it needs because I believe that each piece shows, during the process, how much time and attention it requires.
Often, I only understand my own work once I’ve completed it. When I step back and see how all the pieces come together as a whole.
What are your thoughts on the collaboration with maezen & Brixbay?
This collaboration with Maezen & Brixbay is incredibly exciting for me as it’s the first time I’m working with young creatives from my region. It creates a new connection to our roots while allowing us to create something that reflects a youthful vision of the future.
What are your thoughts on the interpretation of the maezen symbol? How did you interpret it and why did you interpret it that way?
The Maezen symbol immediately evoked a nostalgic feeling in me, connecting the past and the present—a theme I often engage with. To me, it embodies the idea that many aspects of the past resonate in today’s society and shows how certain issues remain unchanged despite significant transformations. It also emphasizes for me that not everything from the past needs to be discarded; how remarkable elements can still enrich today’s life and how we can learn from them.
The symbol, which depicts an ancient figure that supported artists, inspired me to interpret it in a way that conveys this connection to the past while simultaneously representing the ongoing support and stability for artists. It also brings to light this mutual need between the artist and the viewer for each other.
What role do you think art plays in today’s society? How do you hope your work influences viewers or contributes to the broader cultural discussion?
I believe that art has always served as a kind of escape from reality, especially Surrealism, which I find incredibly fascinating. Born between war and industrialization, it offered refuge from the harsh realities of post-war life and the materialism that came with a faster-paced life. Much like back then, today we seek an escape from the superficiality, overconsumption, and materialism of society. Art provides this escape and creates a balance between the spiritual and the material. This phenomenon persists because we are still searching for such a balance to make our lives flourish.
With my art, I want to encourage viewers to look beyond the obvious and seek the essence of their own being. I encourage critical reflection as well as exploration and acceptance of the constant change and transformation inherent in life.
What three words would you use to describe your work?
Three words that describe my art are Confusing, Logical, and Curiosity.
