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Thomas
Meijerman

Positioning in the Chain of Creation

[Graduation Project]

Project details

Year
2020
Programme
photography
Practices
Autonomous
Minor
Hacking

The project is about my capability to create as an artist compared to the creation of nature. An important topic this project addresses is, that, in the Anthropocene era we should not only look at the values of the worlds natural sources but also at the values of the aesthetics of landscapes.

I question the human capability to create aesthetics and ‘the sublime’ in order to answer questions whether or not we are at the same level as nature. Besides the broader topic, I research and reflect on my personal value as an artist. Which then again is also a topic which artists have been busy with for a very long time.

As an artist, I’ve always admired and appreciated the formation process of a landscape. The dynamics of the landscape are strongly affected by the organisms that inhabit it and the elements that shape it. The structures of a landscape are created through a multitude of factors. In my opinion, this dynamic is the main reason why a landscape is an embodiment of a perfect creation. As an artist, I am striving to create something as sublime as a landscape.




In this project, I research my position in relation to the landscape and try to figure out what I can contribute. How does my ability to create, compare to the abilities of nature? What kind of positive influence and value can I provide as a human being?




To exercise this influence and to create the essential dynamic, I needed to use the same organisms and elements that one finds in nature. Through experiments with capturing landscapes through photography and drawing, I have gained a better understanding of the specifics of the factors necessary to create a landscape. Based on these findings I started to create my own landscapes. To construct, I was required to work together with nature. Within these landscapes, I have mainly experimented with the power of plants, animals, water, and human beings. Working with nature in this sense has made me question my position in the chain of creation. Only through partnership with nature itself, would I be able to achieve to gain a higher position within this chain.




As I shaped my self-made landscapes, the landscapes also shaped my vision. My perception evolved similarly to the evolution process of existing landscapes. One thing I’ve learned is to see the beauty, importance and influence of small beings instead of only bigger factors and gave them refuge in my own landscape.The landscape I created is a symbiosis of natural and cultural elements that are carefully selected and combined.




More of my work can be found in the links below:
Website – https://thomasmeijerman.com/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/thomasmeijerman/

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