““Opkomen voor wie ik was” constitutes a series of artworks, in which Kim Spaans responds to a challenging period, spanning from the age of seven to twelve. She explores the intricate process of translating negative emotions from her childhood into visual representations. Reflecting on the profound impact of depression during her youth, Spaans leverages her current knowledge and emotional depth to create her paintings. Each layer within her pieces is carefully crafted to resonate with a distinct feeling, creating a multifaceted narrative that invites viewers to explore the depths of human emotions.
Instead of using canvas or paper, Spaans prefers to work on the walls, aiming to establish direct contact with her environment. Working on a large scale integrates her body into the artwork, compelling her to physically confront the emotions she portrays. Moreover, she surrenders parts of her work to gravity, affecting the work’s outcome. This aligns with the theme of her work, in which she demonstrates that emotions, or the lack thereof, can be unpredictable.”
-Hagar Schuringa
