Aesthetica Art Prize Longlisted Artist Huib Fens, Photographic and Digital Art

When Netherlands-born Huib Fens went to live in Kerry, Ireland, he was inspired to write a collection of poetry. Drawn from the unfamiliar and enchanting landscapes and a communal, everyday experience, Fens’ poems have in turn inspired his artwork.

With a range of sculptures and paintings, Fens credits writers and architects for first establishing his artistic sensibility. He has started recreating the houses and workspaces of the people who have inspired him, saying the process of virtually rebuilding these rooms allows him to become a part of the space, to stay, think and work alongside his heroes.

Longlisted for the Aesthetica Art Prize 2016, Fens’ recent work Writing in Amherst is a similar exploration of his role models’ work spaces, and through it their processes. He has said that another rewarding aspect of his practise is the ability to transpose his own possessions within these interiors.

Bringing in his chair, desk lamp and favourite books, he becomes a physical presence within a virtual world. The piece exemplifies the circularity of inspiration, and in doing so becomes a testament to the immortal influence and effect art can have.

The Aesthetica Art Prize is now open for entries, accepting submissions across a range of media including photography, sculpture, installation, painting and artists’ film. Prizes include up to £5,000 courtesy of Hiscox, a group exhibition, publication in the Future Now anthology, up to £250 art supplies vouchers courtesy of Winsor & Newton and a selection of Prestel art books. Shortlisted and longlisted artists are also promoted via Aesthetica’s online channels.

To enter, visit www.aestheticamagazine.com/artprize

Credits
1. Huib Fens Writing in Amherst (Emily Dickinson) 2014.