Steven Jouwersma

In his video Je vergeet jezelf nog eens, Steven Jouwersma attempts to cross barriers that exist amidst neurologically divergent perceptions of being in the world. Steven explores the relations between different concepts and experiences of the Self, ranging from Zen Buddhism to activities performed by his mother. Adjacent to this, Steven has researched so-called snoezel rooms. The verb “snoezelen” is a combination of the Dutch verbs “snuffelen,” to seek and explore, and “doezelen,” to relax. Snoezel spaces are specifically designed for this practice, and are often found in care institutions and schools for neurodiverse people. These ideas combined, examine the potentiality for a more flexible relation between the Self and the outside world.

Within his practice, which ranges from paintings, to installations, sound works and performances, Steven often uses imagination and sensory exploration, however, always rooted in daily reality. This way, he aims to create portals of magic realism with his work.

Steven Jouwersma lives and works in Brussel. He completed his BFA Painting at the Minerva Art Academy in Groningen and his MFA Interactive Media Environments at the Frank Mohr Institute, Groningen. His works have been exhibited, amongst others, at Waterwerken, Rotterdam, Het Resort, Groningen and Wandering Arts Biennale, Brussels.