nem sem ti
2023 
ceramics and rope.
Group show at Komok, Amsterdam, May 2023. Connection is vital for humans to thrive, as it enables us to form relationships with our loved ones. When we distance ourselves from others, we become disconnected and lonely, which can lead to a higher risk of disease. Therefore, connection plays a fundamental role in longevity. It is ironic that despite having access to the whole world through technology, we live more disconnected and lonely than ever before.

Relationships are built on small moments of caring, which can be subtle or intense, quick or prolonged. Often, these moments go unnoticed as they happen in an instant. It is crucial to pay attention to these moments. In this series, I set out on a challenge to document them to appreciate their significance. I collect different verbs that translate the actions of caring into words like leaning, mending, pulling, dragging, washing, bending, bearing, and many more. Through these verbs, I interpret the actions as well as the tensions of such actions. How do we relate to each other? What are the dances that occur between people? Around me, what patterns do I see in each relationship? 






a fine line

2023
cement, steel, and rope.
‘A Fine Line’ consists of an orange rope running through the exhibition space, blocking and questioning the obvious routes in the exhibition. Considering the physical and emotional barriers which migrants have to cross as they make their way to what will hopefully be a better life, this spatial installation evokes a sense of obstruction or annoyance. The visitor is forced to walk around this slight barrier, cross it or crawl under it, gently alluding to how many have to move through life. At the same time, the line refers to the dangerous exiting migration routes, as if we are looking at a map of the road we have to follow. This gentle obstruction raises questions about the responsibility we have as European citizens and what challenges European governments face, in providing humanitarian assistance to migrants.

Presented in 2023 at NDSM Fuse.

In collaboration with Jim Du Pan. Under the artist duo Garcia Du Pan.






spring cleaning
2024
wood, fired clay, and nails.
‘Spring cleaning’ 

Presented in 2024 at NDSM Fuse.

In collaboration with Jim Du Pan. Under the artist duo Garcia Du Pan.






rif et raf

2022
ceramics and fabric.
Group show at NDSM FUSE, Amsterdam, August 2023. Relationships are built on small moments of caring, which can be subtle or intense, quick or prolonged. Often, these moments go unnoticed as they happen in an instant. It is crucial to pay attention to these moments. In this series, I set out on a challenge to document them to appreciate their significance. I collect different verbs that translate the actions of caring into words like leaning, mending, pulling, dragging, washing, bending, bearing, and many more. Through these verbs, I interpret the actions as well as the tensions of such actions. How do we relate to each other? What are the dances that occur between people? Around me, what patterns do I see in each relationship? 





under pressure

2024 
Under Pressure delves into the cycles of transformation of the NDSM-wharf.
Opening on the 22nd of April 2024.

This project happens in collaboration with Jim Du Pan, under the artist duo Garcia Du Pan. 
With the support of Stichting NDSM-Werf and Stichting Kinetisch Noord. 
Special thanks to Iwan Snel, Location Light, Noorderbloemen, De Groenwinkel and Henk Schut.  
"Under Pressure" explores the cycles of transformation of the NDSM wharf in Amsterdam North. The NDSM has seen various changes, from being a renowned shipbuilding company to being destroyed during the war. It went through bankruptcy and decay but was later revitalized as a hub for artists and creative businesses. In the past decade, the area has been rapidly transformed by the city and its new development projects, putting pressure on valuable places like the NDSM.  

Previously, the majestic Crane number 7 was destined to decay, but it has been repurposed as the pedestal of the "Under Pressure" project. The decaying crane symbolizes the history of the NDSM holding new life, bringing forth flowers, movement, and growth. This symbolizes the duality of the NDSM. The illuminated sphere atop the crane functions as a beacon, visible from the water and the surrounding area.







(de) pendent

2023
ceramics and rope.
Group show at NDSM FUSE, Amsterdam, August 2023. Connection is vital for humans to thrive, as it enables us to form relationships with our loved ones. When we distance ourselves from others, we become disconnected and lonely, which can lead to a higher risk of disease. Therefore, connection plays a fundamental role in longevity. It is ironic that despite having access to the whole world through technology, we live more disconnected and lonely than ever before.

Relationships are built on small moments of caring, which can be subtle or intense, quick or prolonged. Often, these moments go unnoticed as they happen in an instant. It is crucial to pay attention to these moments. In this series, I set out on a challenge to document them to appreciate their significance. I collect different verbs that translate the actions of caring into words like leaning, mending, pulling, dragging, washing, bending, bearing, and many more. Through these verbs, I interpret the actions as well as the tensions of such actions. How do we relate to each other? What are the dances that occur between people? Around me, what patterns do I see in each relationship? 




       
‘502306111’, 2023.
Pencil on paper.
102x67cm
‘50230611’, 2023.
Pencil on paper.
102x67cm

     

502 ovelhas, 30 carneiros, 6 cabras e 1 xibato

2023
pencil on paper.
This series reflects on a story that my grandfather used to tell me in his later years. It tells about a time when he owned 502 sheep, 30 lambs, 6 goats, 1 goatling, 1 mule, and 1 dog. As he struggled with memory loss, this was the only part of his life as a shepherd that he could recall. I heard this account so many times that these numbers come out of my mouth with ease as if part of me.

The story was translated onto a grid and slowly filled in with pencil marks. Repeating the process of tracing this story is itself an act of holding on to a memory of my grandfather and an understanding of myself. A conflict arises between the desire to remember and the fear of reshaping our memories. With each repetition, the series evolves, with some alterations in each painting.

As an immigrant, it can be challenging to balance remembering our roots and adapting to a new culture. Our memories of our homeland and past are precious, but they may become hazy and distant as time passes. Yet, by sharing our stories and experiences with others, we can bridge the gap between our past and present and find a sense of belonging in our new home. 

Stories and tales are what weave together our culture and sense of belonging. In this series, I return to my roots and recount the stories that remind me of who I am, just as my grandfather did.




omarmen

2021
ceramics and rope.
Group show at NDSM FUSE, Amsterdam, August 2023. Connection is vital for humans to thrive, as it enables us to form relationships with our loved ones. When we distance ourselves from others, we become disconnected and lonely, which can lead to a higher risk of disease. Therefore, connection plays a fundamental role in longevity. It is ironic that despite having access to the whole world through technology, we live more disconnected and lonely than ever before.

Relationships are built on small moments of caring, which can be subtle or intense, quick or prolonged. Often, these moments go unnoticed as they happen in an instant. It is crucial to pay attention to these moments. In this series, I set out on a challenge to document them to appreciate their significance. I collect different verbs that translate the actions of caring into words like leaning, mending, pulling, dragging, washing, bending, bearing, and many more. Through these verbs, I interpret the actions as well as the tensions of such actions. How do we relate to each other? What are the dances that occur between people? Around me, what patterns do I see in each relationship? 








untitled

2021






mula

2023
ceramics, rice, tights, and rope.
Group show at NDSM FUSE, Amsterdam, August 2023.Connection is vital for humans to thrive, as it enables us to form relationships with our loved ones. When we distance ourselves from others, we become disconnected and lonely, which can lead to a higher risk of disease. Therefore, connection plays a fundamental role in longevity. It is ironic that despite having access to the whole world through technology, we live more disconnected and lonely than ever before.

Relationships are built on small moments of caring, which can be subtle or intense, quick or prolonged. Often, these moments go unnoticed as they happen in an instant. It is crucial to pay attention to these moments. In this series, I set out on a challenge to document them to appreciate their significance. I collect different verbs that translate the actions of caring into words like leaning, mending, pulling, dragging, washing, bending, bearing, and many more. Through these verbs, I interpret the actions as well as the tensions of such actions. How do we relate to each other? What are the dances that occur between people? Around me, what patterns do I see in each relationship?