Reflections

It has been quite a while since I was so excited about sharing a new series!!! I am thrilled to present this first sneak peek to you. This new series is called “Reflections”, and consists of photographs I took in France.

I was so intrigued by the images I saw in the reflections, that I could not stop trying to discover even more in these ever changing water puddles. What am I seeing? The truth, or a distorted version thereof? Does it challenge you to see things from a different angle or perspective? To most people it is invisible, as they just walk rushingly through the water puddles, creating a chaotic version of the reflection of just a moment ago. Completely unaware.

Although my work is mostly self-reflecting and self-exploratory, I also enjoyed seeing how external factors can distort or destroy the image of the world we see. Life is an ever changing mirror, and we are all connected in some way, whether we are aware of the ripple-effect we create or not. It is this connection with our reality – or distorted version thereof – that I wanted to capture with my “Reflection” series.

“During my stay in Paris I was struck once again by the beauty, complexity and secrets of Paris, much as is reflective of our own lives. “ – Annemie

I didn’t just want to present these photographs as photographs, but layered them with the complexity and symbolism they deserve. I did so by incorporating embroidery from inspiration I got from my previous travels, and studying different types of embroidery techniques, their meaning and history, to change the pictures into strong messages. I transform and re-contextualize my photographs, opening them up for re-interpretation. The organic photographs are juxtaposed with the structured mechanical patterns of the embroidery, and the imperfect hand stitching with the sophistication of digital photography.

I love art techniques that takes time, has a repetitive part and is rich with history. The reason I love embroidery so much, is because of the meditative and calming quality it has, as well as the precision, meticulous details and structure. One of my favourite types of stitching is called “blackwork”. The counted-thread technique achieves a traditional look, while creating an intricate grid through geometric patterns. 

Influences:

A visit to the Cluny museum, where I saw  the 1500 year old “Lady and the Unicorn” tapestry, blew me away with it’s beauty and attention to detail, as well as the rich history and symbolism. Another trip up Normandy took me to the 11^th century Bayeux tapestry, which colorfully details the Battle of Hastings ins 90m long tapestry, complete with “footnotes” embroidered into the tapestry. This is where the tapestry bug first bit me.

I use embroidery to investigate a variety of themes and concerns, exploring identity, memory, and culture, and the value of art and craft forms traditionally considered women’s work. Needlework has a long relationship to politics, power, and resistance. The repetitive act of embroidery reduces anxiety, and increase happiness and self-awareness. Historically it is believed that embroidery is a talisman, and thus represents well-being, peace, and fortune. It also means perfection, harmony, and order.

I want my work to make an emotional connection with the viewer, while simultaneously emphasizing the different viewpoints or perspectives of a mutually shared situation.

Fun Facts:

• I have used between 8-25m per thread per A4 artwork
• This concept was 3 years in the making until it came together
• I am obsessed with water reflections!
• Embroidery is considered a very helpful tool for mental health
• I went through quite a few plasters and various smaller pricks during the making of this series
• It is framed with museum glass which ensures that there is no reflection when you look at the artworks (ironic right?)

This will be an expanding series, due to the sheer volume of the series, and the fact that it is quite time consuming, so I will try my best to not keep you waiting. See the artworks here.