With my project, I wanted to let people experience how it is to have a depression through an artistic expression.
The disease is usually not visible from the outside, in contrast to a broken leg. I started looking for an abstract representation of the disease that tries to explain to non depressed people without portraying this in a dark and sad way, but more in a tangible, accessible way that everyone can understand.
The disease is usually not visible from the outside, in contrast to a broken leg. I started looking for an abstract representation of the disease that tries to explain to non depressed people without portraying this in a dark and sad way, but more in a tangible, accessible way that everyone can understand.
I searched for a place that we all know, which is not associated with depression and endedup choosing a playground. A playground is by definition fun, where everyone relives the euphoric sense of freedom and joy.
My playground revolves around the dwelling of life and the joy that has been pulled away from the playful elements that are now black and gloomy against the environment. The visitor experiences the unpleasant feeling with which you are overwhelmed and unable to escape. Every device represents inconvenience, impotence and the struggle that someone experiences with depression, the happy world is black and dysfunctional for them.
My playground revolves around the dwelling of life and the joy that has been pulled away from the playful elements that are now black and gloomy against the environment. The visitor experiences the unpleasant feeling with which you are overwhelmed and unable to escape. Every device represents inconvenience, impotence and the struggle that someone experiences with depression, the happy world is black and dysfunctional for them.
"Laura Hoogenstraaten’s work has a dark and intriguing aesthetic. You see this clearly in her final exam work from ArtCoDe, Out Of Order. The piece illustrates an ambition to create work that encapsulates the viewer with an emotion and make them feel and experience the work. Out Of Order is an ambitious project that shows Laura’s drive to create." - Peter van de Riet, OddOne
