Laura van Vugt

"Without an audience, no purpose, no meaning."

I believe that a work of art is only complete when it is experienced. It acquires its meaning through interaction with the viewer. Simultaneously, the experience that can resonate within the viewer is created there. This experience always plays a significant role in my work.

As a creator, I often work across various disciplines. Because of the fascination with theatre I've had since I was a child, there are several theatrical elements reflected in my visual work. This often manifests itself in life-sized installations that offer a complete experience. I prefer to create from the black box; within it, I can manipulate everything. Why settle for daylight? It's so unreliable.

My work focuses on human experiences: connections, social constructs, and the complexity of being human. The viewer is challenged to relate physically and emotionally to the artwork and to what happens within it. It's about the experience—not just the object.

Because of this conviction and my love of experiences, I sometimes find myself at odds with the stereotypical museum. It's so noncommittal. Visitors are free to simply look and walk by, as quickly as they like, as long as they remain quiet and calm. I understand: the stately display, silence, and white walls might not demand more. But I want more. More engagement, more participation, more interaction. My graduation installation, "Make Yourself Welcome, Sit Down," focuses on the interaction between the object and the viewer. Who plays which role? What effect does the viewer have? And will they engage in the interaction?