Jikke de Gruijter

De Loop Der Tijd (The Course Of Time)

Jikke started her education at HKU (Hogeschool voor de Kunsten Utrecht) in 2008 and completed her BA in 2014 in photography at KABK (Koninklijke Academie voor Beeldende Kunsten), The Hague.

"I am a documentary filmmaker who works with the photographic image and cinematography. During the production process, I discover how I want to formulate the subject. My approach is always personal: sometimes the starting point is something I have experienced, or I become inspired by a person or subject I encounter. In my work it is important that I create a personal relationship with the subjects I photograph and/or film. I always work on my projects for a long period of time.

I have a fascination for how people are able to adjust themselves to new situations in their lives; the ability to overcome every misfortune. All experiences in one’s life make you the person you are today. I try to depict confronting circumstances in a slightly light or humorous way, so the viewer is able to digest the serious matters I am presenting. My work always has a positive note, and is colorful. I see it as a challenge to use humor in situations that can be painful and difficult.
While working on my projects, I produce a fair amount of images and collect a lot of archive material. From this research and my own imagery I can filter the chore of my project. The end result can be various things; a publication, a slide show, an exhibition or a short film. I am usually searching for an exemplary aspect in my subject that speaks for a bigger group. My work is very socially involved and tells us about daily setbacks in our society. I would like to see my work functioning in various health and educational institutions as well as in the art world."

www.jikkedegruijter.com