J. Pouwels (Artist Statement)
3-Day-Between-Show-Show J. Pouwels Transitions 1st – 3rd September
Artist Statement
My work considers the concept of Place, as well as the role Identity plays in the development of that Place into a Home.
I have used my time working at the New Pacific Studio (Mt. Bruce, Wairarapa) reacquainting myself with my roots as a New Zealand artist. Like many young Kiwi’s, I left home (over twenty years ago) to explore the world, crossing many oceans in order to do so.
The use of a floating or tethered silhouette cut-out of a non-descript individual considers our Identity as a victim of the need to migrate. It rises above the landscape in a transient state of being, navigating uncertain times.
I seek to explore the notion of physical displacement as people sacrifice the comfort of their homes in search of more secure futures.
There are a few things about electricity that I consider when working, starting with my interest in water/oceans and the danger that comes when you get the two too close to each other. In the New Pacific Studio drawings power lines, like the electric fences that are all over the place, are often treated as barriers, and act as something to be navigated or negotiated in order to move forward.
(the above has been selected from emails between J. Pouwels and Cameron Drawbridge. June – August 2009)
J. Pouwels returned home to Northern California early in August (2009), where he has a studio and teaches part time at Chico State University.
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