20 Days with Hair Towels (2008 – 2019)

20 Days with Hair Towels (2008 – 2019)
Oil on linen
4,09 x 3,62 m – 161 x 142.5 in
2020 / 2022

The painting installation ‘20 Days with Hair Towels (2008 – 2019)’ shows a contemporary view of humanity. The question ‘who we are’ seems more important than ever. Fear and doubt about our existence have been playing a role for some time due to rapid technological developments; attacks and threats of war and recently the corona crisis. Our view of humanity has partly been turned upside down. This existential crisis ‘who am I’ is portrayed in a penetrating way because the many eyes of the self-portraits are focused on the viewer. The self-portraits challenge us to acknowledge and engage our own deepest self.

The work consists of 20 canvases measuring 100 x 70 cm, painted with oil on linen. The total installation is 4,09 meters high and 3,62 meters wide. The medium of oil paint is chosen because it creates a physical presence. Enhanced by the visibility of the canvas through the paint, the translucence of the thin layers mimics the tactility and fragility of human skin.

The basis for the work are the self-portraits from the visual diaries (LS diaries). The photos were taken between 2008 and 2019 and show one face across a period of more than 10 years. The repetition flattens the chronology and emphasises the resilience of the soul. Together, the separate works form a strong and colorful whole.

The painting installation ’20 Days with Hair Towels (2008 –2019)’ is generously supported by the Mondriaan Fund.