Nature loves
to hide
2019 – 2021

Nature loves to hide
Heraclitus 

This fragment from Heraclitus forms the starting point of an artistic research that explores a form of alliance between the artistic gesture and Nature. By blending drawing, herbariums, and plant imprints on silk, this work seeks to show that the purpose of art is not so much to imitate Nature as to work like/with Nature. “Art itself is Nature,” says Shakespeare (The Winter’s Tale).

There are two ways of approaching the world.
The Promethean way consists of making Nature speak for the benefit of humans, forcing it through experimentation to reveal its secrets—an attitude of domination of Nature by humankind.
The other attitude is disinterested: it observes Nature while respecting it. For if Nature wishes to veil itself, it is notably because uncovering its secrets can be dangerous for humans. By intervening technically in natural processes, humans risk disturbing them (Pierre Hadot – The Veil of Isis).

This work began as part of a residency offered by the Fonds Rops in Thozée in 2019. It was exhibited in 2020 at the Galerie de Peinture Fraîche and Odradek – Brussels.