Maria Watjer, Wies Brand & Jasmijn Pielkenrood
Watjer, Brand & Pielkenrood like to look for the 'abnormal' in the 'normal' in their work. In this way they show that some things that we are completely used to are actually quite unnatural. Their work therefore questions our stuck assumptions.
Maria Watjer, Wies Brand and Jasmijn Pielkenrood study at the Breitner Academy in Amsterdam, where they follow the bachelor's program to teach visual arts and design. Together, they form an art collective. For edition #8 of Amsterdam Light Festival, they join forces to create their first light sculpture.
”This is the first time we’re working with light, but have been interested in the medium for a long time," the artists tell us. "Because of its intangible form, light evokes a certain mystique that can be used in many ways. Light is a powerful medium; it determines the atmosphere.” Watjer, Brand, and Pielkenrood's work method is driven by experiments, trying new things. From there, the artists work towards their final concept, combining different media, such as sound, projection, and printers. Their inspiration comes from searching for extraordinary details in ordinary situations. An interest that's visible in their installations and performances, too.
"We try to use everyday objects in such a way that the viewer can experience his or her environment differently."
Photo: The Breitner students experiment to create the effect they want.
"Social interaction plays a significant role in our work too — not just the relationship between maker and viewer, but also between the viewers themselves." Visitors who want to return home with a fresh look are thus in good hands with this collective.
Watjer, Brand & Pielkenrood is a creative art collective consisting of three students from the Breitner Academy in Amsterdam. Together, they create interactive installations and performances using everyday objects.