Nicky Broekhuysen

I am very interested in the idea of systems or structures that people have created in order for them to understand or make sense of their existence. Particular examples of these systems that I have approached are religious and political systems. I use the imagery of binary numbers '1 and 0' as a metaphor for the structuring and 'codes' of the systems. Binary numbers also reference the digital world or system of which our lives have become extremely dependent upon. The binary numbers are individually hand stamped in ink onto paper. I choose a symbol of the system whether it be a cross for religion or a star for communism and stamp the binary numbers in the shape of the symbol. Working in a series, I 'break down' the structure of the symbol and ultimately rebuild it into something new, more dynamic and current. I see this idea of construction and deconstruction as a continuous cycle. I find that everything in our society today is being challenged and questioned, our existence seems unstable and constantly in flux whether it is the environment, politics, the financial systems and even our belief systems all appear to be in a state of de-construction and thus uncertainty. One of the ideas (I hesitate to use the word 'solution') that i have explored, is that of the collective. Of individuals coming together, working as a 'whole' and thus enabling them to find creative, more flexible and dynamic systems of existence. I reference this concept in my work through flocks of birds. I am fascinated by the intuitive nature of birds, the way in which as individuals they come together to form a group, beautiful, cohesive and completely in touch with each other. Each is connected to the 'whole', flexible and able to adjust to change.

My latest work encompasses giant 'exploding circles'. They reference the movement from order to chaos or perhaps chaos to order, depending on how you view it! I am exploring the idea of human consciousness  and systems of thinking. The moment of 'explosive thought'. This work has also lead me to an interest in Evolution and Cosmology and the formation of life , the universe and thus the formation of thought. Again this references the idea of construction and deconstruction.

Through these binary numbers I have been able to take 2 very simple symbols, 1 and 0, and build a complex series of ideas and thoughts which allow me to continue to question my world and place with in it. I see this work as a 'conversation' which I hope will never end.

BIO

EDUCATION

2004 B.F.A in Photography at Elam School of Fine Arts, Auckland University,  Auckland, New Zealand.

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2009 ‘Do Over’, interactive installation, AFTHotw… Gallery, Berlin, Germany

2007 ‘Urban Crust’, photographic Exhibition, Stir Art Gallery, Shanghai, China.

‘Categorizing the Lost Pieces’, lightboxes and works on paper, [the studio], Shanghai, China

SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2009  ‘Armella Show’, ink works on paper, Erfurt, Germany.

2005 ‘Titter’, Photographic works, Special Gallery, Auckland, New Zealand.

‘Average’, Photographic works, Room 103 Gallery, Auckland, New Zealand.

2004 ‘Dislocated’, photographic works, George Fraser Gallery, Auckland, New Zealand.   ‘Imposition’, photographic works, George Fraser Gallery, Auckland, New Zealand.