Annehmen (Embracing) 

Painting Series

2021

Research presentation  

At Mustarinda Residency

Material: mixed media on paper  

This work developed during a period of complications  with my pregnancy. I was burdened both physically and  emotionally by a term of imposed rest, and the general  conditions of uncertainty. Unable to process the  circumstances with familiar tools of movement and dance,  “Annehmen” became a work of allowing the reality within  the body to transform into images.  

The paintings, collages, drawings and book-objects of  “Annehmen” are dealing with my journey to understand the  layers of detachment and feelings of replacement present  at that time. Painting my inside and trying to answer the  questions: How is it to share a body to create life? How is it  possible to know my body at the same time that it is alienating/  strange/ ill/ unknown/ a home to someone else as well? 

It was the first time I addressed my pregnancy within my paintings.  The drawings of Louise Bourgeois also became especially  important to me at that time, as well as her adage: “Art is a  guarantee of sanity”. The images are responding to this inwardly directed focus. There is togetherness, but also emptiness present.