Suzanne de Graaf

Cetus
2016
Plaster, neopreen
Lento
2016
plaster, neopreen, textile
Caelifera
2016
wood, metal, leather
untitled
2016
plaster, neopreen

I have always been fascinated by composite and transformed creatures. In the past I was inspired by mermaids; these days I investigate bats, insects and dogs as a source for my sculptures. I create a melting pot of different kinds of animals and body parts. I also explore the combination of animals and more mythical, human-like figures.

The process I use for making my sculptures matches these themes: I draw a pattern and sew this together in neoprene fabric. Plaster is then poured into this neoprene model. Once it hardens, the neoprene fabric is partially pulled off. The model and the process of casting actually become part of the sculpture. Sometimes I also add other materials or fabric to it.

My work shows things that are slightly uncomfortable. It’s about moments you don’t completely understand, or moments when something is painful. I don’t mean to shock or to confront, just for the sake of confrontation. Rather, my work presents a tactile, sensual and seductive way to create order and to make incomprehensible emotions and contradictions visible.

I investigate the materials, fabrics and found objects that I use in my work like an inventor or scientist. I use self-created techniques, developed by experimenting, constructing and deconstructing – almost like a veterinary who creates order in a hurt animal to cure it.

Cetus
2016
Plaster, neopreen
Lento
2016
plaster, neopreen, textile
Caelifera
2016
wood, metal, leather
untitled
2016
plaster, neopreen