Johannes Boekhoudt ART Habens
For example, The Little Girl is based on my own experiences of domestic violence. Domestic violence also forced itself into my life as a young child and so I wanted to make clear that these scars do hurt forever. These scars are the permanent and living catastrophic result of a dysfunctional family. The girl is leaning against the wall. It is unclear if she is crying or is hiding. But what I do know is that she has suffered for many years. Her transparency and almost faint image, imply that she is no longer among the living. She does not live, she suffers.
Going Home is a work that represents the forced mass disappearance of the 43 students of Iguana, Guerrero, Mexico on September 26, 2014. These students were kidnapped and killed and to this date, there has been of signs of any remains or justice. These children will never go home. each person will interpret the work based on their own experiences and ideals. I do not want to have the last word or have never pretended to do so. I sincerely enjoy when I overhear someone from the audience discussing or voicing opinions about my works. I want everyone to be able to involve themselves in the work and take the maximum appreciation of what they are viewing, whether they like the message or not. The art gives way to criticisms of all types and they are all welcome. This is crucial for me. When the ultimate goal is to convey a message, I respect my audience and I believe that I can feel their needs and concerns. By the same token, I try to allow the space necessary to comprehend me, the message and ultimately themselves.
The Last Time is an artwork that arose when I saw the necessity of dedicating a painting to my father in which age does not forgive and time slowly consumes us until the end. Creating this artwork was a catharsis for me. This painting in particular signifies the art of forgiveness and thereby, accepting the consequences of this forgiveness.
I feel that it is important to leave the interpretation of each work to the imagination. I do not intend to impose an idea or emotion onto the spectator since
Definitely, I feel that my criticism is directly oriented in search of justice and peace. Nonetheless, I cannot overshadow the political undertones that contribute to many of my themes,
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