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21 may 2024, Flor Linckens

The elusive world of Wido Blokland

pseudo ziel of goddelijke vonk, Galerie Ramakers

Until 23 June, Galerie Ramakers in The Hague is showcasing a solo exhibition of Wido Blokland. The installations by this Dutch artist are like intellectual puzzles, filled with complex layers, allusions and wordplay. The result is a collection of unique works in which philosophy and spirituality are meaningfully intertwined.

Blokland studied Eastern and Western Philosophy at Utrecht University, followed by training in Visual Arts at the former Amersfoort Art Academy and a residency at Ateliers '63 in Haarlem. This blend of disciplines is reflected in his work in a captivating way. The titles in particular add an additional layer of depth, with references to science, philosophy, mythology, literature or spirituality, while often actively questioning the underlying concepts.

Wido Blokland, Écliptique [La Vie Est Un Rêve, Moi Un Miroir], 2018, Galerie Ramakers

The artist frequently attempts to capture the elusive. Blokland states, “The artists ‘imaginary’ quest cannot be accomplished by whatever image. All his work remains by definition but a reflect of the ‘one and original’ image somewhere slumbering in the abyss of his mind. Nevertheless I am continuously amazed on how images, often consisting of but a few components, are somehow able to represent, or even more than that, are almost seemingly able to embody that which remains nevertheless unseen. The miracle of sight calls for a keen eye as well as an involved perception.”

Blokland actively stimulates viewing and thinking in the observer. For instance, the work ‘Simulacrum (4) - Ieder blad is heel het woud en heel het woud is ieder blad’ ('Simulacrum (4) - Every leaf is the entire forest, and the entire forest is every leaf') (2024) refers to a poem by the Belgian poet Erik van Ruysbeek (1915-2004), who explored a mystical experience and the experience of universal unity in his work. For his latest works, Blokland frequently uses old photographs and mirrors, occasionally placed as 'car mirrors' to reflect at a certain angle or concavely cut to create a specific effect: your reflection is either enlarged or reduced, depending on where you are standing. Mirrors are a recurring metaphor in literature, philosophy and poetry, symbolising self-reflection or a distorted perception (from Descartes to Plato's cave). Human presence is also visible in a series of footprints in various materials, including rubber, plaster and resin.

Wido Blokland, Inventaire [2] 8 parts 1993-, 1994, Galerie Ramakers

The striking work ‘Filius Macrocosmi [Krater]’ (2023) features a kind of telescope in which the lens is replaced by an inverted bowler hat, almost as a symbol for a human being. When you look into the hat, you see something resembling a star chart. The term Filius Macrocosmi refers to a concept from the worlds of alchemy and hermetic philosophy. It describes the relationship between the microcosm (the human or the individual soul) and the macrocosm (the universe or cosmos). This idea is rooted in the belief that there is a profound connection and correspondence between the individual and the larger universe. The concept suggests that humans are a reflection of the universe and that by studying humanity, one can gain insights into the nature and workings of the universe.

Wido Blokland, Filius Macrocosmi [Krater] (detail), 2023, Galerie Ramakers

The exhibition ‘pseudo ziel of goddelijke vonk’ (‘pseudo soul or divine spark’) by Wido Blokland will be on display at Galerie Ramakers in The Hague until 23 June 2024.

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Flor Linckens

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21 may 2024, Flor Linckens

The elusive world of Wido Blokland

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