This work explores the fascinating & curious characteristics of various feathers. As with many of Gromoll’s works the foundation stems from a large collection which is displayed on the second floor. Connected through only a hole in the ceiling, the underlying room is the stage for a brief 5 minute performance.
A selection of feathers is intuitively chosen and released to the lower room. Detached from their natural purpose to serve flight, the feathers are now able to show their own unique personality. As they dance down from the ceiling a magnificent and ethereal play reveals itself. The feathers’ descent is guided by what once was its natural function, its remaining form as a separated entity in combination with what seems like the will to express its newfound identity.
Eventually this play comes to conclusion as an image on the floor shaped by the chosen feathers and their paths.


Feathers

Within cocoon a selection is shown of an ongoing process in which deceased insects are gathered throughout daily life. A fragile husk is all that remains from many of these creatures, yet upon closer inspection immense beauty may be found in their transient physical presence.
Through adopting the insects into this colony of unseen passing, a new stage in the post-lifecycle is set in motion. Encased in a thin and vulnerable glass cocoon, they are offered temporary protection & preservation from outside influences, human or natural alike.
The glass cocoon as an intervention allows for the short life of each of these individuals to resonate beyond their own time. An opportunity for us to take a more attentive look at these tiny beings which account for the majority of life on the planet.


Cocoon

“Stones” shows the results of various journeys and walks on which stones where collected. Driven by intuition and Gromoll’s sense of natural beauty these particular objects displayed a true sense of individuality.
The act of balancing each stone on a single nail elevates them beyond their material presence, becoming entities who act as guides in this newly arisen landscape. Only with attention to ones surroundings and light footing will visitors be able to navigate this delicate world.

Stones

Within a diaframe the decelerated proces of a decaying flower is contained. Over a period of time we may encounter this very same flower at different stages. One of these moments is captured in a still, enlarged and illuminated in order to depict & enhance its beauty and fragile nature.


Flower


The work “pre” depicts the vascular system of a single leaf. Found roughly two years ago in the clearing of a forest it has since then been encased within a 7 x 7 cm diaframe. With a high quality scan the intricate pattern has been recorded and is presented as an enlarged print. Within an object of such small proportions a landscape of seemingly endless roads much like a city map is revealed.  “Pre” reminds us of our own relative size and perspective as we are also just a small part of this world & universe.

Pre 

"While" is a revisiting of passed times inspired by the "veritas" series. This particular composition of tiny blue flowers was encased within a diaframe 3 years ago. Over time the different shades of deep blue and hints of purple have slowly faded away. A moment in its process of transformation is captured and printed on clear film.

While

During my time in Bali [Indonesia] I encountered many daily offerings locally known as “Canang Sari”. This practice of giving thanks stems from a local combination of beliefs such as a distinct form of Hindu worship, animism, ancestor worship and reverence for Buddhist. The “Canang Sari” can be made for all kinds of reasons and occasions. Traditionally a little basket generally consisting of banana & coconut leaves is handmade everyday and holds the offering. The often colourful and lively looking offerings may be found at home or in the immediate vicinity to your house. At work or in the main street. At the front door or in the garden. They are placed and prayers spoken in order to please the gods and bring luck & good fortune for people, other living beings, this specific location and its energy.

In its current iteration local plants, candy & other natural objects are brought together with several traditional aspects in order to find a balanced mix between the present western culture and the offerings eastern origin. By combining our own environment with the experiences and the mindset encountered in Indonesia, Canang Sari intends to instill similar gratitude and respect towards our surrounding world. To inspire a different approach and connection with nature in both a physical and spiritual sense.

The most recent offering presented at TAC Eindhoven is a personal take on what a Canang Sari may bring to a social event such as this exhibition and wishes well upon all present artists, visitors and the space. 

Canang sari (ᬘᬦᬂᬲᬭᬶ) – daily offering  
Canang – palm leaf basket

kawi (old javanese) language – ca (beautiful) nang (purpose)

Sari (balinese word) – essence
 

Canang Sari

“Symbiosis” takes a closer look at a commonly found natural occurrence, lichen. These organisms arise from the relationships maintained between algae and mould. In the short film a closeup is shown of a tree trunk moving gently in and out of focus due to the wind swaying the branch, covered in lichen, moss and life. Only subtle changes appear over its duration.
Alongside the projection a live element in the form of a birch tree is presented. Visitors are provided with pocket microscopes and may freely explore the tree bark, leaves and any remaining inhabitants at their own pace.


Symbiosis

Secluded from the city life ventilation pits gather layers of decaying leaves and other small debris swept around by the wind. Enlarged images of found matter depicting the essence of its surroundings were printed on very thin paper and soaked in a natural glue (water, sugar & flour). Being exhibited in these sheltered spaces caused an accelerated process of decay & consummation as the tiny inhabitants of this subsurface world feasted on the images. Slowly merging back into this very habitat a cycle is fulfilled.

Habitat

In this installation finely powdered wheatgrass is used, on a circular shaped drum of roughly 1,5 meters wide the material is distributed evenly with a sift.
Visitors are invited to tap on the membrane, causing it to vibrate in various and alternating rhythms. Depending on the intensity and strength applied the powdery surface starts to shift and clusters are formed, ever changing patterns appear as the material nodes dance across the canvas.
Alongside the visual playfulness, a part of the powder rises into the air, a faint yet peculiar scent of pure wheatgrass spreads throughout the vicinity.

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Kim Gromoll

Feathers

Cocoon

Stones

Flower

Feathers

Pre

While

Canang Sari

Symbiosis

Habitat

Wheatgrass

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