In my series of works Qorporal Quests, I explore the challenges of the digital world in times of crisis by combining analog and digital techniques—ranging from charcoal drawings and flipbooks to virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence—encouraging reflection along the way. Following works on science, climate change, and artificial intelligence, my latest work, Qalvinist Qosmos, focuses on religion. Although I have been an atheist since the age of twelve, I grew up in a Calvinist family in the Netherlands – a formative influence that continues to resonate to this day.
“Qalvinist Qosmos”, on display from January 23 to March 8 at the exhibition MeeresStern at the INSELGALERIE Berlin, consists of a large wall drawing that I will create live during the exhibition. Inspired by the Calvinist painting “The Broad and Narrow Way”, I incorporate codes into the drawing that, when scanned, generate animated augmented-reality scenes, which are projected on the opposite wall and can also be viewed on visitors’ smartphones. A central motif is the Eye of God, which – as in my childhood – watches over my every step. A special code on my back alternately reveals white and black wings during the drawing process, symbolically allowing angels and demons to take possession of me as I traverse the “broad or narrow path.”
The installation is accompanied by my new 360°/virtual reality video work “As the Deer Pants”, in which I walk the narrow path, winged, as hand-drawn animations cross my way. These works reflect my personal memories on the one hand and, on the other, examine the role of Calvinism today, where themes like sin, the devil, and the longing for God influence lives.
Exhibitions and presentations:
• January 23 – March 8, 2025: MeeresStern, INSELGALERIE Berlin.
