Link to the Voordekunst project page
Since 2005, I have been working as a visual artist. My work explores how time and space are in constant flux, influencing our perception. I experience reality as a dynamic network of overlapping moments and images, continuously changing. By collecting and bringing these fragments together, I create layered works that reveal subtle connections and a deeper coherence. These layers invite viewers to uncover my work step by step, with each layer offering a new entry point into the underlying complexities of time, nature, and human existence.
Nature plays a central role in this process. Its cyclical patterns of growth, decay, and renewal reflect the unending flow of time and life. Inspired by concepts such as the Symbiocene and Deep Ecology, I investigate how humanity and nature interact and can mutually reinforce one another.
The Project
Since 2018, I have returned regularly to a unique artist-in-residence programme (KAIR) in Kamiyama, a village on the Japanese island of Shikoku. This place uniquely combines community spirit, respect for the landscape, and care for one another. During my stays, I became fascinated by the rhythms and patterns of daily life, which permeate every aspect of existence.
A central figure in my work in Kamiyama is the Akui Gawa (river), which flows like a lifeline through the valley, connecting the surrounding communities. Historically, the river would often overflow, enriching the soil and making it ideal for cultivating Japanese indigo (Persicaria Tinctoria). This plant, essential to local craftsmanship for centuries, forms a near-symbiotic connection with its environment in my work. For the residents, the river reflects the ecological and economic health of the area: the water level and the vitality of flora and fauna are seen as indicators of the balance between humans and nature.
This deep, layered relationship between landscape and life forms the foundation of my project. In the Akui Gawa series, I bring together different moments and perspectives of the river, from its tranquil flows to the powerful movement of its waters. The result is not a static depiction of a single moment but a poetic interpretation that evokes the ongoing motion and connection to nature.
My work Ensō, which combines layers of handmade washi paper with natural indigo, builds on this connection. The indigo, derived from Persicaria Tinctoria growing along the riverbanks, establishes a physical bond between my work and its place of origin. The textures of the washi and the intensity of the blue pigments create a layered effect that embodies both the ecological and cultural richness of Kamiyama, visually and tangibly.
The projects Amagoi no Taki, Stone Stamp, Akui Gawa, and Ensō together form a visual language in which nature, craftsmanship, and community reinforce one another. These works pay homage to the landscape and the people who inhabit it. They aim to capture not only the visible beauty of Kamiyama but also the invisible dynamics of time, energy, and life.
Kawa no nagare
The Book
My book, Kamiyama, encapsulates seven years of artistic research in which I have explored the profound connections between humanity, nature, and time. The book will include projects such as Amagoi no Taki, Stone Stamp, Akui Gawa, and Ensō. Each work highlights, in its own way, the subtle layers of the landscape and its community.
A pivotal element in this research was my introduction to the ancient art of Japanese indigo dyeing. During my first stay at the Awagami Factory, I learned how this craft intertwines with time, care, and dedication. Later, I deepened my understanding at Watanabe's studio, where I discovered that each indigo vat has its own unique character, revealed only through time and attention. This experience has profoundly influenced both my work and my perspective on processes and craftsmanship.
The publication of Kamiyama offers a unique opportunity to present my work in a new way. The book will not only showcase the finished pieces but also provide insight into my creative process—something often overlooked in exhibitions. This process, centred on traditional crafts like working with washi paper and natural indigo, is integral to my work.
Together with designer Hans Gremmen and publisher Fw:Books, I approach this project as an artwork in itself. We believe that a book is more than just a vessel for the work; it is an object that invites physical interaction and forms an integral part of the narrative. The carefully chosen materials, design, and layout are intended to encourage readers to slow down, reflect, and gradually uncover the layers of the work.
While the book will not be printed on washi, this material will subtly feature in the design to evoke the physical and tactile qualities of my work. Just as the creative process demands attention and time, the book offers readers an immersive experience, creating space for a different way of seeing and engaging.
In addition to my work, the book will feature texts by writers such as Erik A. de Jong, Ryoko Yoshida, Taco Hidde Bakker, and Menno Liauw. Their reflections enrich the context and offer readers diverse perspectives on my work. The result will be a layered and polyphonic work where the landscape, community, and my artistic process converge in a poetic way.
Publication and Launch
Kamiyama will be published by Fw:Books, an independent publisher specialising in art books. The book will be launched in July 2025 at the Tokushima Modern Art Museum in Japan, followed by presentations at POST in Tokyo, Unseen in Amsterdam and a launch and exhibition at Enter Enter in Amsterdam in October 2025. This event will also feature an indigo workshop, where I will share the crafts that underpin my work with the public.
Support This Project
With your support, I can realise this special project and create a book that offers a visual experience and a tangible connection to nature, the community, and the timeless crafts that permeate my work. This book is more than a collection of images; it is an invitation to explore the layers of the story, the place, and the process. As a token of gratitude for your contribution, I offer various rewards, including signed copies of the book, participation in exclusive workshops, and the opportunity to acquire limited edition prints.