Gonda van der Zwaag 🇳🇱

Gonda van der Zwaag (Heerenveen 1951) has been making sculptures for 40 years out of a fascination for the transience of life and the remnants of that life that remain after death. She forms her sculptures with natural elements, which are of animal or human origin.

Her recent work is an interplay of naturalia in which colours and materials are used that have no direct connection to the original objects. This creates new colourful animals, which are multi-interpretable and perhaps prompt a reflection on death. Together, they form a world of imaginary creatures that seem to defy impermanence. The objects have been given exciting shapes and are sometimes so playful that they distract attention from what you actually see: the remains of dead animals. The skeleton as the inevitable phenomenon of death more or less disappears into the background. At the same time, the work also forces one to marvel at the ingenious mechanics of the skeletons. As in the late mediaeval death dances where all positions are equal and humour plays a major role, here Gonda has added a good dose of mirth to her universe. Animals that embody freedom and independence yet on the other hand are also very vulnerable. Death as seriousness and play. Throughout her artistic career, Gonda has consistently dared to follow this path and her fascination with death.