tentacle

The ideas or inspiration for the work in this exhibition initially started out with my fascination with water. On the one hand water is life giving and connected to the ability to create something living. But on the other hand it is threatening, connected to the primal fear of drowning. Especially of those who are closest to you, and you want to protect and nurture. The ‘doubtful’ privilege of having my own children intensified this fascination as well as the anxiety and terror. (As you might all imagine if one has had the experience of resuscitating drowned children as I have in my line of work as medical doctor.)

This central idea evolved further into other related metaphors of both water and parental nurturing. Inevitably the tentacle emerged as a metaphor of touch, movement and exploration on its positive side, but with also more sinister connotations of clinging, entanglement and smothering. The poison in the nematocyst of the multiple intertwining tentacles causes a dangerous sting.

This led to my exploration of the possible impact we have on our children, in the formation of their personalities and their general happiness. Everything we do for our children is done with the best of intentions, but has far-reaching consequences. For those of you who do not have the privilege of having children, this line can be traced back to your parents and the immense impact they have had on your early lives.

While wishing only the best for my children, I also need to remind myself constantly of Khalil Gibran’s words: Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself. They come through you but not from you, and though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.