It starts at the centre of the earth and moves to the underground world, where fungi and plant roots form an underground network, to the level of the earth where plants, water and insects manifest themselves visibly, climbing up into the mountains, where the air becomes increasingly thin, transitioning into the world of stars and planets that are visible but not close.
Sophie Steengracht is interested in how humans experience nature and how this is expressed in mythology, fairy tales and magical realism. Her paintings, drawings and sculptures do not offer a realistic representation of nature but are about transformation in which natural elements such as flora, fauna, earth and air merge with mythical creatures. Her work is about humanity's fascination with nature, wonder and the desire for explanation. This is the seed for religion, art and science.
Steengracht's work cannot be viewed separately from the current era, in which we are acutely aware of the climate crisis caused by humans. Although her work is full of graceful beauty, it also carries the message that everything in nature is interconnected, forming a fragile balance, and that humans should exercise restraint.
As an artist and as a human being, Steengracht takes responsibility and seeks ways to use materials that are not harmful to nature. In addition to delving into centuries-old knowledge about natural colours from minerals and plants, among other things, she grows plants for dyes in her own garden.
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