Suzanne Plomp

In my practice I explore the bodily realm, its sensuality and otherworldliness during processes of growth. Hollow, organic shapes like cocoons and tentacles are recurring in my work. With their tactile network of lines visible on the outside, your eye is lured to have a closer look on the inside: both its strength and vulnerability are exposed. My work is autobiographical, which results in the duality of attraction and repulsion being fundamental to my practice. Within their alien ambiance, the works are containers of something that has left or something that is yet to come – or perhaps never will.

I feel the happiest in my studio when it has a nearly surgical set-up, surrounded with materials that behave like organic matter. I look for qualities like high-shine, translucency, flexibility and contrasting colours. I find these qualities in different kinds of rope, translucent fabrics, cellophane, ink and pencils. By playing with materials such as by wrapping, coiling, weaving and drawing, I create works with anatomical structures that are reminiscent of veins, muscles and other bodily tissue. Through this process I investigate contradictions like beauty and disgust in a compassionate and playful manner. At the moment I am focused on types of growth that involve violence, such as exuviation and regeneration. For the art fair I would like to present new sculptures and drawings about this.

Cocoons
2018
sisal rope, organza
160 cm x 80 cm 35 cm
Regeneration
2020
polypropylene, textiles, wood
162 cm x 55 cm x 90 cm
Cockroach Stars III
2022
India ink, color pencil on paper
21 cm x 29.7 cm