Welmoed Boersma

In her thesis, Welmoed Boersma examines the different phases of her work process. She describes emotional periods, in which she processes her past and feelings, as well as observational periods, in which she engages with the world around her.

This emotional period, during her graduation project, is reflected in tetra-prints depicting Welmoed as a child with her cuddly toy, "Duck." She received Duck as a toddler when she was hospitalised with leukaemia. Duck was her rock then, and remains so today.

The observational period is reflected in a series of works about chameleons, in watercolour, ceramics, and graphic art. The chameleon is a rather unsociable and vulnerable creature; the slightest mistake in care can have fatal consequences. Welmoed recognised her own vulnerability and social awkwardness in the chameleon and conducted in-depth research on the animal.

Concerned about her illness, Welmoed grew up feeling constantly watched by those around her. Similar to a chameleon, which prefers to be invisible, she doesn't usually find this feeling all that comfortable. In her exhibition, she plays with this feeling and shares her perspective on the relationship between humans and animals.