Carmen Schabracq

During her residency at SYB, Carmen Schabracq investigated how the devil appears in Frisian folklore. A tradition of the region is that of ringing bells extensively during the shortest days of the year to chase away the evil spirits. The devil was also represented in folk tales through so-called “duvel banners,” farmers who were considered a kind of magician, able to drive away the devil. Duvel Banners is one of a number of paintings realized by Carmen on the topic. At SYB the artist also explored the old technique of willow basketry, a local craft. Mother Cow was made shortly after the artist’s daughter was born, employing the techniques learnt during the presidency. In different cultures, the cow is associated with the sacred feminine, a symbol of benign fertility. Selflessness and generosity are also imbued in this animal, as it provides milk without expecting anything in return.

Carmen Schabracq lives and works in Amsterdam. She received her BA from the Gerrit Rietveld Academy, and an MA theater costume design from the Koninklijke Academie voor Schone Kunsten in Antwerpen. Her work has been exhibited, amongst others, at Stedelijk Museum Breda, het Amsterdam Museum, Nest Ruimte, Den Haag and No limits! Art Castle, Amsterdam.