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Isamo Thissen (1998) works from a foundation in craft and focuses on how people relate to one another within nature and society. In her work, she expresses concern about the increasing polarization of contemporary society. Thissen observes that as opinions harden, thinking more often shifts towards extremes, leaving less room for nuance and making a genuinely attentive listening ear increasingly rare. With her presentation at Prospects, Thissen advocates a non-judgemental duality. This position does not arise from indifference, but from a desire to arrive at a new mode of perception that transcends political frameworks. She achieves this by presenting two embroidered canvases that are visually compelling, yet thematically very different. Thissen invites viewers to fully take in the works, in all their visual richness, without seeking a connection between the two. In doing so, the artist creates an in-between space, detached from context, and demonstrates that beauty can emerge from any situation, regardless of its emotional weight.
In a subtle way, this work also offers a critique of the haste that characterizes our time: the tendency to categorize everything we see. For Thissen, value lies precisely in the time and attention embedded in the labour process – which, in the case of the two canvases, amounts to many hours of meticulous handwork. As Thissen explains: ‘Acknowledging this is the ultimate act of appreciation, because time is the most valuable thing we have.’
Written by: Kelly-ann van Steveninck