Wouter van Riessen

Can you describe your work?

All my work has to do with the self-portrait.
What would you portray when you want to portray yourself?
A simple picture of a face won't suffice.
In my work I search for ways to catch self-images, find out what they are.
Another theme in my work is the notion of bringing life to an image, of conjuring up the imagination.

What are you working on?

I make digital collages based on images that speak to me.
I start off very intuitively, then I think about the images I have made and modify them.
These collages are at the basis of my paintings.

What inspires you?

I love Medieval sculpture, this is also an important source for me.
Furthermore, I am inspired by what I read in books about things like consciousness, free will, the body/mind problem ect.
I am in particular inspired by writings of Antonio Damasio.
Then there is of course Pinocchio, in some ways my alter ego.

What you hope to evoke from your viewers?

A sense of awe for the way life presents itself. And I want to show that an image can bear a sense of inner glow, without being religious or mystique.

How your work has grown and changed?

Over the years my definition of self-portraiture has become more abstract and philosophical.
I now have more of symbolic approach.

Do you experiment with different materials a lot or do you prefer to work within certain parameters?

I do a lot of things: painting, drawing, collage, mask making, photography, songwriting.
This way I can move from medium to medium and inspiere myself.

Can you tell me something about your residence in Rijsakademie?

I felt very lonely up there. I learned I lot, but just could not bring it into practice.
All the teachers made me feel nervous.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Good luck with your blog!

www.woutervanriessen.nl