Anne Stroop

"My work focuses on what eludes our understanding. I only realized this when I read Thomas Nagel’s essay ‘What is it like to be a bat?’ He describes how humans are good at gathering objective knowledge, but struggle when something falls outside the scope of our language. We try to explain unknown phenomena, while some things are simply incomprehensible. This tension forms the core of my work.

This manifests itself in various themes, such as the sublime and the relationship between humans and nature. I try to create images of what we cannot imagine. The theory behind it is the starting point: this helps me to give form to the intangible.

During my studies at ArtEZ, I also discovered why representation plays such a significant role in my work. At first, I focused on accurately depicting reality. In an age when photography and film already do this, it is no longer about imitation, but about questioning. By working realistically, I imbue the image with my interpretation and hold up a mirror to society.

These insights come together in my thesis work. Before my studies, I often painted commissioned animal portraits. By bringing this to the academy, I learned how these portraits can take on a different form. In this way, the animals come to life in a new way. With my work 'Close to the Unknown', I invite visitors to connect with unusual animals. By freezing this small moment of contact in an image, I hope we will develop a kinder relationship with all animals."

Contact:
annestroop2004@gmail.com