Statement
Vlees (Dutch) Noun 1. Flesh The photographic series Vlees uses the artist’s body as a medium and as a place of research within the themes of identity and sexuality. Through symbolism, performative and private acts of kink, the body is tested, exposed and abstracted. A transformative process, Vlees documents the relationship with the self through various dichotomies of pleasure/pain, attraction/repulsion and kindness/violence.
Marijke Loosjes is an interdisciplinary artist based in Boorloo, Whadjuk Noongar Country. Loosjes works in the mediums of photography, performance, installation and mixed media sculpture. Her practice explores the human condition, engaging with themes of mortality, transience and abjection. Presenting a blended dichotomy of unease and beauty, Loosjes aims to create a dialogue with the greater community on these intimate and taboo themes. Since 2014 Loosjes has performed under the name Essie Foxglove, further exploring beauty and unease in alternate performances of burlesque. She is the creator and producer of the performance art show Worship, examining the positive and negative aspects of worshipping. Loosjes has exhibited and performed nationwide, undertaken several residencies in Europe and has sold work to a number of private collectors. Marijke Loosjes was born in Perth and continues to work in Perth, she graduated from Curtin University with a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art in 2010.