04 november 2022, Flor Linckens
At the interface of photography: Tjitske Oosterholt
The solo exhibition 'Mineral Evolution' by Tjitske Oosterholt will be on show in Contour Gallery in Rotterdam until 26 November. Earlier this year, the work of the Dutch artist was on display in the Prospects section of the Mondriaan Fund at Art Rotterdam, a selection of promising young talent who recently received a contribution for the start of their professional practice.
Tjitske Oosterholt is fascinated by our relationship with the natural world and is particularly interested in the ways in which we relate to the inanimate natural world; the world of minerals and rocks. The series 'Mineral Evolution' that gives the exhibition its name is about the intertwining between different life forms on earth. Art theory and philosophy play an important role in this, but also, for example, the scientific work of Robert Hazen. His theory states that the vast amount of minerals on Earth formed in interaction with other life forms over billions of years. Oosterholt is interested in the implications this has for our current (potential) relationship with these inanimate materials.
Tjitske Oosterholt, From the Roots we Grow, 2022, Contour Gallery
The photographer argues that we tend to distance ourselves from the nature that we're a part of — or worse: that we elevate our own importance at the expense of the environment. She hopes we'll reconsider that relationship in favour of a more equal relationship. Through the same lens, she also looks at the medium of photography itself, which is essentially polluting because it uses chemical processes that are ultimately harmful to the environment.
Oosterholt's works are marked by the use of complicated photographic processes. Part analog and part digital, part controlled and part intuitive. For instance, she makes chemigrams based on an age-old technique in which painting and photography seem to merge. For previous series, she experimented with pigment prints that change when exposed to light and air. The exhibition in Contour Gallery includes a cyanotype print and a work printed on a combination of polyester and Egyptian organic cotton.
Tjitske Oosterholt, Blue Gem, 2021, Contour Gallery
The artist is not so much concerned with capturing reality. She is much more interested in the materiality of the image, in capturing light, time and movement. Oosterholt works at the interface of photography, brushing against disciplines such as sculpture or even painting. She often works with the material as a starting point and considers herself as a kind of supervisor of that material. She makes use of craftsmanship and subsequently distances herself. The resulting abstract and tactile works almost invite the viewer to touch the works.
Oosterholt studied Graphic Design at the Royal Academy of Art (KABK) in The Hague, followed by a master's degree in Artistic Research at the University of Amsterdam.
Tjitske Oosterholt, Sentience I & II, 2022, Contour Gallery
