BRADWOLFF PROJECTS, platform for artistic research, invited independent curator Yvonne Yzermans to present an exhibition of work by Roos van Haaften.
Roos van Haaften [Amsterdam, 1983] investigates the indefinable traction between culture and nature. Until recently, she found drawing paper with its literal boundaries inadequate for this purpose. She implemented light, which, in its own material aspects, is as elusive as the subject itself.
During her Master studies at the University of the Arts in London [2008-2009], the city was plagued by foxes, inhabiting the urban environment, looking for food. Van Haaften became fascinated by the disappearing border between culture and nature and staged the fox as a main character within her spatial work, which consists of shadow drawings. These ‘drawings’ are realised by arranging objects that, when lit by theatre lights, form shadows on the wall. An illusional world in which, through classic line perspective and a vanishing point at the horizon, the real world is evoked.
In the past six months, the artist has been coached at the Dutch Institute of Light Design [ilo] in Amsterdam. Her research about the function of light within her work resulted in an unexpected outcome: Van Haaften makes drawings on paper again. Light is still an important element, though no longer as a medium; it became the subject. by using an eraser in charcoal, Van Haaften ‘illuminates’ her landscape drawings. a series is shown at BRADWOLFF PROJECTS. The exploration of light within these monumental drawings does not lead to a clear horizon, but rather a mysterious depth.
In her earlier work, Van Haaften approached culture and nature as opposites that are literally in conflict with each other. In her shadow drawings she allows rapprochement between these opposites, albeit from a contemplative perspective. In her most recent charcoal drawings, nature and culture seem closer than she first expected. dressed in business clothing, she becomes one with nature, all the while remaining ignorant of its motives. Nature within herself and within her civilised surroundings is, regretably, not as clearly defined as the metaphorical fox suggested.
Roos van Haaften studied at ArtEZ Institute of the Arts in Arnhem and the University of the Arts London [Wimbledon]. Previously, she exhibited at Huize Frankendael, gallery Vriend van Bavink in Amsterdam, Tate Modern and the Nunnery in London. In 2013 she participated in the Amsterdam Light Festival, presenting her project ‘Winter march in smokey areas’. Works by Roos van Haaften are part of the collections of the AkzoNobel Art Foundation and the Province of Gelderland.
Art historian Yvonne Yzermans studied at the University of Amsterdam. In 2012, she curated the exhibition ‘Urban outsiders’ at Huize Frankendael and is connected to the ABN-AMRO collection as an independent curator since 2007.