An Other Being
The animal in art has the effect on us to engage with our humanness, whether it is a physical comparison or the investigation into genetics that divide us as a species. Consequently, as ecologies collide and species integrate; be that natural or forged, Nieuwenhuizen's practice, which exhibits an amalgamation of logical and imagined concepts, is moved to hint at the observer’s conscience. Working primarily in sculpting, printmaking, performance and more recently drawing, each medium is used to specifically correspond to the juxtaposition of the species and their (unnatural) environments. With focus on man’s ability to transform these beings at scientific will; or of the harvest of herds and flocks within alien environments, Nieuwenhuizen's works strive to depict both animal and human as an ‘other being’.
Cast amongst beautiful surroundings, dim lit atmospheres and unfortunate narratives, each work demonstrates an ecology that is uncommon to both human and animal, yet unites the species through a strangeness of harmonies. Locusts covered in an eternal shivering gold, or a quietly gazing pencilled deer adorning a crown of new born lambs demonstrate Nieuwenhuizen's religious fascinations; whilst the humbled poise of a young rabbit sided with machine-spun gems strikes up empathy, depicting complicated correlations of the species.
Cast amongst beautiful surroundings, dim lit atmospheres and unfortunate narratives, each work demonstrates an ecology that is uncommon to both human and animal, yet unites the species through a strangeness of harmonies. Locusts covered in an eternal shivering gold, or a quietly gazing pencilled deer adorning a crown of new born lambs demonstrate Nieuwenhuizen's religious fascinations; whilst the humbled poise of a young rabbit sided with machine-spun gems strikes up empathy, depicting complicated correlations of the species.