Visual artist Ietje Meerman wins scholarship. "It's a great gift."
- Fine Art
Ietje Meerman (26), an alumnus of the bachelor's programme BEAR Fine Art, recently won the visual arts scholarship, Groninger Visual Arts Stipends. How does she look back on her time at ArtEZ? Has she found her niche as an autonomous visual artist? And what are her plans for the future?
Her route to BEAR Fine Art in Arnhem was ‘an interesting one’, Ietje herself says. Initially, she thought she wanted to be an actor. However, during a preparatory course in Theatre, she discovered that she is more of a creator than an actor. And that the visual aspect is her priority. So no Theatre School for Ietje. It became BEAR Fine Art in Arnhem.
Highlights
Ietje enjoyed the course. The theoretical subjects, such as Language & Image, particularly struck a chord. She also found artistic research to be a good fit. Ietje has fond memories of the Reverse Archaeology project. "We philosophised about the question: which art will still be of value in a thousand years? We buried our own artworks in a large ‘time capsule’ in the garden of Museum Arnhem. This capsule may only be excavated in the distant future." Ietje also looks back with pleasure on the artist residencies at Cittadellarte in Biella, Italy. “I gained a lot of inspiration there.”
Challenges?
Were there also bumps along the road during the course? “Certainly,” Ietje confirms. “For example, I found it nerve-wracking to present my work and myself to others. I also had to learn to incorporate feedback into my work in a good way. And not to be very critical of myself during the creative process.”
Animal-human relationships are central
One of the major advantages of the course, according to Ietje, is the time and space young creators are given to follow their own fascinations. “Gradually, I discovered that I was developing my own visual language. And that what I do in my work is in line with who I am as a person. For example, the way people interact with animals affects me. I consider this an urgent theme. That is why I investigate animal-human relationships in my work. I do this by creating poetic narratives about animals, containing fictional elements."
Installation
For her graduation project, Ietje brought together a number of narratives in a collage-like installation. “In these stories, I wondered how deep the relationship between humans and animals can be. I worked this out using different media: texts, drawings, video, performances." Ietje hopes that her work will make people realise that they are not so different from animals. “And that we will then start to approach animals with kindness.”
Residencies, exhibitions, side job
In the first period after graduating, Ietje did two residencies: one in Germany at ArToll Kunstlabor in Bedburg-Hau (with a group) and at LekArt in Culemborg (solo), she says. ‘There I immersed myself in animals along the Lek. I had encounters with animals, but also looked at their relationship to the river landscape.’ She continues: ‘I also had two exhibitions: Aaibaren & Onaanraakbaren at the KunstKathedraal in Oirschot, and an exhibition at De Nieuwe Gang in Beuningen. To earn some extra money, I also worked in the souvenir shop at Burgers’ Zoo.‘
"Support"
A while ago, Ietje moved from Arnhem to Groningen. Shortly afterwards, she saw an open call for a Groningen visual arts scholarship from the municipality of Groningen, Kunstpunt Groningen and Academie Minerva. This is intended to encourage and support young, promising artists. After some initial hesitation, Ietje submitted a project plan. She was allowed to elaborate on and present her plan. And to her surprise, she was ultimately one of the winners! “That was a huge boost,” says Ietje. “The jury indicated that they were confident that with the right guidance, I could make great strides as a young artist.”
Language of the landscape
Ietje explains that she will immerse herself in the language of the Northern Dutch landscape. Her quest will take on a visual character: “I mainly want to use film, in combination with poetic texts.” She will also involve the past by delving into archives and using historical maps. “It still needs to crystallise a little. At the moment I am thinking of giving a role to mounds and dwelling mounds, among other things. And of course there is also a role for animals.”
Honorarium and development
The grant amounts to 20,000 euros. Half is her fee, Ietje explains, the other half is intended for materials and for guidance from an art professional from the Northern Netherlands, among other things. Thanks to the scholarship, Ietje will be able to focus on her project in the coming period. “That is a great gift,” says the young artist, who has now found her way in her own practice. “It is intensive, because you are not only busy creating, but also with administration and promotion, for example. But I think I have a good balance between work and relaxation.”
Dreams for the future
Ietje would like to continue studying in the future. “I am considering a bachelor's or master's degree in art, film or literature.” She also expects to collaborate more often within the artists' collective Maar heet iets meer man, which she forms with her mother Maartje Meerman. “We previously created the exhibition Soortgelijk | Dergelijk | Diergelijk, which was shown at Plaatsmaken in Arnhem.”
Tips for newcomers
Does Ietje have any tips for (starting) BEAR Fine Art students? “Take advantage of everything the programme has to offer,” she advises. “Not just the workshops, but also the people around you! Learn from each other, ask (guest) teachers and students for feedback. They will give your development a boost.”
