Hedwig Brouckaert
New Earth (small brown ii), 2024
Expanded polystyrene foam eroded by the Atlantic ocean, paper, acrylic paint, ceramic tiles
6 x 6 1/2 x 1 inches
 
I collect weathered styrofoam packaging that the wind blows off the ocean onto NYC's shores. Together with skin clippings from magazine make-up ads, I glue the foam pebbles to ceramic tiles. I then cut and carve into the paper and foam with sharp knives to reveal cross-sections and layers beneath. Some pieces look like old anatomical models of female genitalia, which references Mother Earth. With this work I want to honor her and acknowledge the violence we are committing to her body, and, as an extension, to ourselves and move towards wholeness, joy and pleasure.