Ellen Rijk

Chaos Chaos Chaos - 11

Ellen Rijk is predominantly active as a visual artist but also works in the field of theatre and film. Her work is shown in galleries in the Netherlands and abroad, in national and international festivals and various other platforms.

Although originally a ceramist, Ellen makes use of extremely diverse materials. She integrates drawings, digital images, silkscreen, colour, photos, video and language, often in installation form. Water is an important thematic element, not only as a source of inspiration, but also as a fluid, transparent material. Ellen Rijk mixes solid components such as ceramic, wood and metal with more vulnerable elements such as water and paraffin. The confrontation between these two 'worlds' characterises her work.

She frequently combines her individual works to form an integrated installation, like a life-size diorama, which forms a pas de deux with the exhibition space, thereby adding extra significance. These larger installations are worlds which have to be physically entered to be contemplated, and which literally and figuratively encase the viewer and make them a component of the work. The installation plays a game with the viewer. Seduction rather than confrontation is the key. Ellen Rijk uses manipulated photos of herself and her environment: by presenting herself, she presents her view of the world. In an ever-accelerating world, where everything has to be fast, Ellen's work focuses on time, which she 'freezes' as it were. This leads to an increased level of intimacy and invites reflection. In her installations, time appears to stand still, if just for a moment.