Machteld Rullens
Machteld Rullens is a multimedia artist based in the Netherlands. She has spent most of her time during the pandemic busy in her art studio in Rotterdam, preparing to participate in a rescheduled group show in Poland.
When asked about how the pandemic has impacted her, Machteld says:
It has made me think of changes and what fears might come up in relation to those changes. Reflecting on such subjects is not necessarily a bad thing. I do feel very lucky that I can continue working in my studio, even though I also look forward to the days when we can travel again!
Working in new environments from time to time has always felt a necessary and fruitful pursuit for Machteld’s practice. A residency stint doesn’t generally turn out exactly the way one imagines beforehand. And, as Machteld says, that’s actually a good thing:
Every time I have attended a residency, it has stimulated a period of reprogramming myself and my work. It’s as if you become more attuned to everyday experiences. In a strange way, something as simple as a walk to the supermarket or a conversation without words - because you don't speak the same language - can become the source of inspiration for your next piece.
It’s a great honour to be supported by the Josef and Anni Albers Foundation. I think the residency would’ve allowed me time to focus, and experiment with local materials. I’m sure my work would somehow have been impacted by the buildings, the language, the climate, the colours, the food…
Meanwhile, there has been plenty for Machteld to fill her time with before she can finally come to Thread in late 2021. She has a solo show coming up at Galerie Martin van Zomeren in Amsterdam and is working on a photo book that is due to be published by Zolo Press later this year.
