Sometimes I wonder whether there is still a place for art in the world we live in today.
Art is not a basic necessity. And in a world where so much is happening, making a painting, writing a poem, or organising an exhibition can sometimes seem almost insignificant.
And yet.
Some time ago, I had the idea of bringing together twelve artists from Udenhout and the surrounding area for a special project. Each artist would receive a small piece of text as inspiration for a new artwork. No rules about style, technique, or medium. Just words – and the freedom to make something of their own from them.
I started researching Udenhout and came across the Udenhout philosopher and writer Cornelis Verhoeven. I read his writings about the village and his memories of the Udenhout of the past, but I also discovered something else that struck me: his thinking and writing about enthusiasm.
Verhoeven wrote A Philosophy of Enthusiasm.
And that very word – enthusiasm – has kept coming back to me throughout this entire project.
I contacted the Verhoeven family. They responded enthusiastically. I went to speak with the people at Erfgoedcentrum ’t Schoor. More enthusiasm. I approached the Udenhout writer and poet and asked whether he would like to think along with me. Enthusiasm.
And then I started approaching artists.
The same thing happened again.
People wanted to take part. They shared their thoughts, contributed ideas, and made connections. Even artists for whom there was ultimately no longer a place responded to the initiative with so much warmth.
Slowly, something that had begun as nothing more than an idea in my head became a project carried and supported by more and more people.
Eventually, the twelve works will come together in one exhibition.
And suddenly I find myself thinking again about that question: Is there still a place for art in the world we live in today?
When I look at the enthusiasm with which people have responded to this project, at how many people want to contribute, share ideas, and create something, I think I have found my answer.
Perhaps art is not a basic necessity.
But the need to create, to share, to experience wonder, and to make something together?
That is still very much alive.
To be continued.
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I'm Donique van Schaik, a contemporary landscape artist based in the Netherlands. My paintings explore light, memory and atmosphere.
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