Lives in Brussels, Belgium / Saint Mihiel, France
Website http://www.marjolijndijkman.com
How do you describe your own art practice?
My practice consists of different approaches that are closely interconnected: ongoing projects that are carried out internationally, works developed in relation to specific contexts or interests and initiatives such as Enough Room for Space.
The works can be seen as a form of science – fiction; partly based on facts but brought into the realm of fiction and speculation. Ranging from photographic archives and films, to landscape interventions and sculptural works, my practice concerns itself with futurology, history, museology, human geography and ecology amongst others. Whereas some of the works are developed in dialogue with a specific context, other recent projects are ongoing with multiple outcomes.
In 2005 I founded Enough Room for Space (ERforS) together with Maarten Vanden Eynde. Enough Room for Space is an interdependent art organisation initiating experimental research projects and exhibitions. ERforS tries to act as freely as possible, always putting the context and the idea before the medium, challenging the barriers between different disciplines (artistic, scientific or activist).
As a continuous support behind the different temporary projects, ERforS Head Quarters provides a constant space for production, presentation and research, including two residency spaces and a work / presentation space. ERforS HQ does not conform to the logic of an institutional space, but aims to create a fluid space where life and work intertwine.
What was your first experience with art?
As a child, I used to visited almost every year an open artists studios program nearby the place I grew up with my parents. The combination of the presented works, the arrangement of the collective workspaces and the accompanying alternative life style made a great impression on me. I guess these experiences, amongst many others of course, influenced the development of my practice.
What is your greatest source of inspiration?
In general I think I’m more interested and inspired by culture and it’s relation to different fields (e.g. scientific, social or political), often outside the art world.
What do you need in order to create your work?
I guess time is very important. I develop my works in a slow pace. Since my work always delves into very different fields of knowledge it takes time and research to develop projects that contribute something meaningful. I like to collaborate with specialists from other disciplines, which needs time and an open attitude where things can be developed in an experimental way.
What are you working on at the moment?
A couple of exhibitions and commissions, mostly outside of Belgium, amongst which an installation with new productions for the upcoming 11th Shanghai Biennial opening in November. For this installation I’m developing a new animation film and a sculptural installation amongst others.
Besides this I’m involved in the collaborative research projects ‘Performing Objects’ and Uncertainty Scenarios’ within the framework of Enough Room for Space.
What work or artist has most recently surprised you?
The Congolese artist Jean Katambayi Mukendi, who I have been in contact with since the summer last year within the framework of Uncertainty Scenarios at Enough Room for Space. His visionary ideas and critical attitude in combination with a great sense of humor are really contagious.
