ZOLT - Artist in Space - Noordenaars

Debora Westra and I will be taking part in the Artist in Space program by Noordenaars in the coming year. Together, we’ll develop a shared artistic practice focused on rediscovering and retelling folk stories from the Waddengebied. Our work will place special emphasis on the role of women in these narratives and their deep connection to the landscape. Many of these age-old stories have been shaped over time by stereotypes and misogyny. We aim to reimagine these stories within a contemporary context—one that makes room for new perspectives on gender and identity. Drawing from intangible cultural heritage and using local, natural materials, we will give these stories new form and meaning. Our goal is to collect and reinterpret folk stories through installations, sculptures, and performances in the landscape. We critically examine the stereotypical portrayals of women in these stories, which often mirror the misogyny still present today, especially in digital and social media. By blending traditional folk narratives with feminist reinterpretations, we hope to challenge outdated gender roles and create space for a broader, more inclusive view of femininity.