Cover Image: Spank Moons, Time is a labyrinth
How do you describe your own art practice?
My art practice involves a varied approach, combining photography, digital art, video, and occasionally installations.
The main focus is the observation of my fellow earth inhabitants, especially our absurd behavior. I like to inject “ordinary” moments with surprising elements.
Parrot is sick and he will die, 1980
Which question or theme is central to your work?
I am exploring themes like: beauty, ugliness, humor of all kinds, dreams, happiness, sadness, love…
These themes and questions are with me almost every day.
Spankenstein, 1981
What was your first experience with art?
My fascination with images in general began in my early childhood, when I was captivated by the mesmerizing cartoon images flickering on our black-and-white television screen. Since then, I guess, I have become a ‘visual thinker’. My professional artistic journey began with the series Spankenstein (1974 to 2005). The intention was not merely to capture life as it appears, but to infuse it with a touch of the extraordinary.
Clowns shall never die, 2005
What is your greatest source of inspiration?
My inspiration has its origins in art history up until today, movies, music, books and my personal memories, like the story my father told me when I was 6 and 15, who claimed to have met Marilyn Monroe during his time in the merchant navy in New York back in 1952. Resulting today in the series Marilynisms. With these images, I am on a personal quest to deconstruct the typical cliché image of Marilyn Monroe in order to reconstruct her persona, to remake and remodel her. My inspiration also relies on interactions with soulmates and art students; they all provide me with valuable feedback and insights.
Pin-up in shades of blue
What do you need in order to create your work?
My work involves the fusion of photography and digital art skills, so: my camera’s and computer.
Marilyn Madonna Lactans
What work or artist has most recently surprised you?
Recently I was amazed (and puzzled) by the visionary works by the painter El Greco (1541-1614). Almost if he is a Time Traveler.
And of course, I am constantly (re) surprised by many artists (in the visual arts, music, dance, literature, poetry, theater, etc.), the list is long!
Metamorphosis
