Sjoerd Baarslag

Saying (nothing) very loudly

I want to convince you with forms, absorb you in a constant stream of compelling truths that quickly change form again. I want to hypnotise you. I want to capture the confusion that exists in the world and create art with it. I want to create a work that is done with justification, done with nonsense, but doesn't even know the answer itself. These are clear statements with noise, hard truths with doubt. It is the story that forms between the forms, the sound, and your mind. It is very loudly saying (nothing).

In my work, I search for a certain loudness, a certain visual power. Artists who apply this create work that impresses, that captures your attention, that screams. Yet, I often find these works "flat" or visually "too easy." Some works have more depth. Works in which you can lose yourself. Works that leave room for discussion. Works that give you enough information to play with, but don't drown you in visual meaninglessness. I call this "(n)oing" (saying) something. I want to combine these two worlds. Something that says (n)oing with conviction and incredibly loudly.

My work can be admired at the exhibition at ArtEZ from 3-6 July 2025. My four-minute animated video will play there and restart every half hour.