Knuffel @Art route ‘Care Full’ by Art Utrecht
Location: Bibliotheek Neude, Utrecht
Date: September 10th, 2022 - October 30th, 2022
I am fascinated by ‘Hug’ because it’s a universal non-verbal communication.
‘Knuffel’ is physically present on the second floor of Bibliotheek Neude. The public can visit ‘Knuffel’ without buying a ticket from September 10th, 2022, till October 30th, 2022. ‘Knuffel’ is also part of the art route organised by Stichting Art Utrecht in the frame of art manifestation ‘Care Full’.
The artwork ‘Knuffel’ is delicately connected to a big glass window with a beautiful skyline of Utrecht. During the exhibition period, I organise as well as participate in a few special events around ‘Knuffel’. I host the opening and a series of one-to-one tea ceremonies on September 17th, 2022. On October 18th, 2022, I gave a tour within HKU Talk ‘Because We Care’.
I am present by ‘Knuffel’ once a week to observe how people react to my artwork and to interact with them by initiating small talks. I have received many positive and warm reactions from the public with different cultural backgrounds through these meaningful events.
Research
In response to the theme ‘Care’, I did research about ‘Hug’. I am fascinated by ‘Hug’ because it’s a universal non-verbal communication. More info about my research.
At the opening, I set up a series of rituals around the subject ‘Hug’ and introduce my botanical art practice. (Timeline — Backwards)
Opening Encounter 1 | Meet the Artwork
In the last moments, I guide the public to my artwork ‘Knuffel’.
Opening Encounter 2 | Spoken word for the toast
"I am speechless,
The weather is ridiculous.
Have you heard the news?
On a Saturday quiz!
The way they talk about refugees, economics, and politics.
Shut down! Shut down the radio!
Take a look, take a look in the mirror.
I see flowers and trees.
Nature that is forgotten in the news.
I give myself a hug,
I give myself another hug,
I give myself more hugs...
Yes, this feels right!
After years of longing for something else,
I find myself back in the forgotten lives of the flowers.
Do they die, or do they dry?
Do I care, or do you care?"
Opening Encounter 3 | Dance Performance
I present a short dance that is inspired by a few key words of my research and making process: Self-Hugging, Flowers, Time, Repetition, Tree, Glowing, and Drying.
Opening Encounter 4 | Take a piece of my art home
I make special cards with dried flowers for the guests to take. Every card is unique, as well as every petal.
Opening Encounter 5 | Introduction of ‘Knuffel’ and ‘Botanical Art’
I explain my research process of ‘Knuffel’ step by step, as well as the philosophy and stories of practicing Botanical Art. I share my fascination, my progress, and my vision with the guests.
Date: September 10th, 2022 - October 30th, 2022
I am fascinated by ‘Hug’ because it’s a universal non-verbal communication.
‘Knuffel’ is physically present on the second floor of Bibliotheek Neude. The public can visit ‘Knuffel’ without buying a ticket from September 10th, 2022, till October 30th, 2022. ‘Knuffel’ is also part of the art route organised by Stichting Art Utrecht in the frame of art manifestation ‘Care Full’.
The artwork ‘Knuffel’ is delicately connected to a big glass window with a beautiful skyline of Utrecht. During the exhibition period, I organise as well as participate in a few special events around ‘Knuffel’. I host the opening and a series of one-to-one tea ceremonies on September 17th, 2022. On October 18th, 2022, I gave a tour within HKU Talk ‘Because We Care’.
I am present by ‘Knuffel’ once a week to observe how people react to my artwork and to interact with them by initiating small talks. I have received many positive and warm reactions from the public with different cultural backgrounds through these meaningful events.
Research
In response to the theme ‘Care’, I did research about ‘Hug’. I am fascinated by ‘Hug’ because it’s a universal non-verbal communication. More info about my research.
At the opening, I set up a series of rituals around the subject ‘Hug’ and introduce my botanical art practice. (Timeline — Backwards)
Opening Encounter 1 | Meet the Artwork
In the last moments, I guide the public to my artwork ‘Knuffel’.
Opening Encounter 2 | Spoken word for the toast
"I am speechless,
The weather is ridiculous.
Have you heard the news?
On a Saturday quiz!
The way they talk about refugees, economics, and politics.
Shut down! Shut down the radio!
Take a look, take a look in the mirror.
I see flowers and trees.
Nature that is forgotten in the news.
I give myself a hug,
I give myself another hug,
I give myself more hugs...
Yes, this feels right!
After years of longing for something else,
I find myself back in the forgotten lives of the flowers.
Do they die, or do they dry?
Do I care, or do you care?"
Opening Encounter 3 | Dance Performance
I present a short dance that is inspired by a few key words of my research and making process: Self-Hugging, Flowers, Time, Repetition, Tree, Glowing, and Drying.
Opening Encounter 4 | Take a piece of my art home
I make special cards with dried flowers for the guests to take. Every card is unique, as well as every petal.
Opening Encounter 5 | Introduction of ‘Knuffel’ and ‘Botanical Art’
I explain my research process of ‘Knuffel’ step by step, as well as the philosophy and stories of practicing Botanical Art. I share my fascination, my progress, and my vision with the guests.