His process begins with Shou Sugi Ban, an ancient Japanese technique of charring wood. For Hendrik, this process is not a destructive force but a collaborative one that reveals the raw, primal texture of the material. The fire becomes a partner in creation, revealing a richness in the wood’s grain that was always there, waiting to be seen. Over this dark, scarred foundation, he lays delicate layers of Hanji paper, a material chosen for its history and remarkable resilience. The Hanji acts as a veil, softening the intensity and inviting a closer look. What the viewer sees is not just the paper, but the quiet, ghost-like impression of the burnt surface underneath. It’s a testament to the idea that our past, with all its imperfections, is always present and can be a source of unexpected beauty.
The recurring circles in Hendrik’s work are a personal symbol. They represent the endless cycles of life—the pain and the joy, the endings and the new beginnings. He believes true wholeness is not found in a perfect, linear path, but in our ability to embrace the full circle of our experience. Through this process, he hopes his pieces can offer a quiet space for contemplation, a reminder that even from chaos, something beautiful can emerge.
Size
1685 × 1380 × 30mm