BO DE JONG

In Bo de Jong’s form language she tries to visualise what is not noticed by many in a wilderness that may or may not be cultivated. She expresses her point of view in different media: different paints on linen, textile, clothes, graphics such as polymer etches, lino cuts and dry needle. In her work she tries to evoke a different atmosphere as she experiences the world as miraculously complicated. The simplified image of reality aimed at by humanity is probably more illusionary than we think. The human figures in her work are often small and humble in a larger ecological system. The tense relationship between humanity and nature is expressed by her in different forms. Several of her works show the absurd and often ridiculous way in which we cultivate nature. An ironic look at gardening. Every growing thing that does not fit our aims must be controlled by fences, walls and Excel sheets.

In many of De Jong’s works trees play a major role. Trees are never just trees but actors in a play. In her paintings trees are pruned, climbed, inhabited or admired. They seem symbolic for the possibility to look at the world from another point of view. You take a ladder, climb into a tree and you are cut off from everything. It takes some courage to climb an unstable ladder or put your feet on the lowest branches. But once you are up in the tree, you see better how absurd everything is down there. – Text by Giel Louws and Theo Smit

Exhibitions at Galerie Nasty Alice: Between Here and There 2024 . Contour 2022 . Botanica 2020 . Girls 2019 . Appèl Galeries 2017 . Into the blue 2017 . Robinson 2017 . Fatamorgana 2016 . Rotterdam Contemporary 2016 .