I have a special bond with non-human animals. Eye contact with (domestic) animals let me experience an unconditional love where no words are needed. Traces that nature leaves behind, such as materials as feathers and animal hair, touch me deeply. This collection of impressions is often the source of inspiration and the starting point of the paintings, sculptures and installations that I make. I use a variety of materials, with cardboard being a popular and widely used medium.
I would like to take responsibility and reflect on how we deal with and the relationship between animals and humans. Among other things, I am concerned with the following questions: Who are we as humans to end the life of an animal? Why can't an animal just be there at a specific place or time? Are animals and humans equal?
This year the jury of the CODA Museum did nominate my work as one of finalist in an art contest. I did make a jewelry which I did build up with cardboard and cat hair. My installation 'Post-Antropocene' was exhibited in Museum MAS this year. (see video of my installation: www.rowenapeters.nl and pictures: https://rowenapeters.nl/Beeldend-werk )
I would love to give more time to my art work instead of working at schools all days. I love my job as an art teacher, but I'm hungry to create and exhibite more of my art. I have many ideas for new installations and 2D works. The Arte Laguna could be a good reason to realize one of my installations or new 2D work.
I feel the most urgency to realize an installation 'Let them bee'. This yet to be realized work is inspired by the bee, in particular the bee's eye. How do we, as humans, view bees? Do we want them or not and if so, how close are they allowed to come? How does the bee view human and the world? I will use mainly recycled materials, such as honeycomb cardboard and used candle wax.
The outer layer of the work is mainly black, the inner layer is mainly white. In addition to the bee's eye, it also visualizes our view on certain matters; often this is black and white. Is this black and white look correct or is it often more nuanced when you take the effort to look closer? After all, behind the special black layer, a completely different special layer emerges. This is not immediately visible at first glance, but if you look closely you can admire this second layer.
An object is visible all the way inside this second layer. This includes mirrors. Mirrors that represent reflection and daring to look at yourself and your share in this world. This work is about seeing and being seen. Are we looking at the bee? Does the bee look at the people? Or let the bee (the people) look at ourselves?
