10 Questions with Inge Prins van Wijngaarden
Inge Prins van Wijngaarden (1979) obtained a diploma as a Graphic Intermediary and later studied Applied Sciences. After that, she worked for several years in special education, during which time she also completed her studies as a behavioral specialist. Then, a few years ago, she decided to become an independent artist.
At the moment, Inge works as an artist in residence on the Parade of Soestdijk Palace.
She is working hard on a theme exhibition for state forestry at Groeneveld Castle. In addition, she will exhibit her geometric abstract work in February at the "Bos Fine Art" gallery in Utrecht.
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Inge Prins van Wijngaarden portrait © Photo by Jasmijn Hoogmolen
ARTIST STATEMENT
Inge Prins van Wijngaarden visualizes issues in her artwork that occupy her in her daily life, often related to human behaviour and nature. Her visual language can be both abstract and geometric, with a focus on layering and colour. The titles of her artworks often contain a message to the viewer, either apparent or hidden. By expressing herself in this way, she can give her energy and thoughts a place and structure. Her goal as an artist is to work sustainably, using as much recycled materials as possible. Many of these materials are unconventional. While allowing herself to be challenged by the materials' characteristics, ideas for new work and new techniques always arise during the research process.
Her goal is to surprise people and ask, "what is it that I am looking at right now?". Through this experience, she hopes to motivate people to think about their own behaviour. Inge not only wants to add art to this world, but also to inspire people to approach materials with a different view. Nothing can become something for her.
ZERO waste series
The zero waste series results from advanced research into working with corrugated cardboard. Inge wanted to show the color and purity of the material in this series.
As a viewer, confusion arises, and the question is: what am I looking at? Through this confusion, they hope to reach others to think about their own use and consumption of materials.
She does not believe in imposing behavior. Instead, with this work, she hopes to inspire people to approach and use materials in the visual arts in a more sustainable way.
Zero Waste Part 2 © Inge Prins van Wijngaarden
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INTERVIEW
First of all, why are you an artist, and how did you become one?
By being able to express myself, I can structure and give my energy and thoughts a place. For me a way to stay healthy.
My goal as an artist is to work as sustainably as possible with as much recycled material as possible. I don't just want to add art to this world but also inspire people to approach materials with a different eye. For me, nothing is also something or can become something.
What is your personal aim as an artist?
Issues that occupy me in daily life and that visualize changes in human behavior and nature. In addition, feeling the freedom to let the process and material challenge me and take it a step further in my development. I find it very interesting to surprise people and make them wonder what they are looking at. If this succeeds, you can make people think about their own behavior positively.
Making art is not a goal in itself for me. However, telling a story or putting it down and researching an issue and/or material is.
Leve de konING © Inge Prins van Wijngaarden
BecommING the QUEEN © Inge Prins van Wijngaarden
And how would you define yourself as an artist?
Impulsive, open-minded, and eager to learn.
Where do you get inspiration for your works? What sources and mediums do you use?
What's going on around me. I also like to research different materials.
What is your creative process like? And how did you evolve this way of working?
I have so many ideas that I have taught myself to work in series. Sometimes very good ideas or designs have to wait. I write down a lot but no ideas or themes. I can trust that if an idea comes back or sticks, it's a good idea. My work is based on research of materials and techniques. During this process, there has always been a step towards new work or a new technique. By trying a lot and failing even more, I arrive at a work that I am satisfied with.
What aspect of your work do you pay particular attention to?
Because I regularly work with unconventional materials, it is very important that the work also has a long shelf life. I think it is important that material or image comes into its own, but that it will also remain beautiful in the future.
CLEANing the Ocean © Inge Prins van Wijngaarden
Is there a piece you consider a "breakthrough" in your career?
I have searched for a long time for a way to use corrugated cardboard in its pure form successfully and sustainably in my artworks. This worked out!
And it's a beautiful gift that Bos Fine Art now displays me in The Hague. Next month I can exhibit in a duo exhibition. My work is shown alongside the work of Monika Buch, to me the queen of geometric abstract art. Quite an honor!
What do you think about the art community and market? And how did your perception change over the last year due to the pandemic?
Artists prefer to work and develop alone. However, I think the pandemic has made us appreciate each other more. During the pandemic, I believe that working together and connecting pays off.
Ooooh deer © Inge Prins van Wijngaarden
What are you working on now, and what are your plans for the future? Anything exciting you can tell us about?
Due to the pandemic, all exhibitions have been postponed, and many are now coming at the same time.
In the past period, I have mainly been busy finishing work and preparing exhibitions. In September, I will participate in Art Eindhoven, and in October, my work will be shown at the art ten days in Bergen NH.
I can't wait to start new work again. I have a head full of beautiful new designs and ideas.
In the future, I am looking forward to being allowed to exhibit again at Bos Fine Art. They will open a new location in Utrecht in September in a very inspiring building designed by Gerrit Rietveld.
In addition, I will continue with research, and there are beautiful exhibition plans for the future with the collective 'The Movement'. This is still a surprise!
And lastly, what is one piece of advice you would give to an emerging artist?
Feel free and think outside of the box. Collaborating with artists from other disciplines can be very inspiring.
Every work that you think has failed is one step closer to a work that you are satisfied with.
Feel and accept the process. This attitude promotes your development.
