Gladys Zeevaarders: Mein Freund, der Baum
In the store window at SCHUNCK, Gladys Zeevaarders (Kerkrade, 1993) presents new work inspired by the Brunssummerheide nature reserve. Through drawings, prints and textiles, she explores the interplay between people, animals and nature.
Where
SCHUNCK Glaspaleis
Price
€ 0,-
Findings from the Brunssummerheide
The Brunssummerheide holds a special place for Zeevaarders. For many years, she has visited the area to record everyday phenomena with her camera and sketchbook. These collected images and observations form the basis of a personal visual archive. In her studio, she transforms these findings into drawings, prints, colour experiments and large-scale woven textile works.
From Observation to Image
Experimentation plays an important role in Zeevaarders’ practice. She continually explores the possibilities of materials and techniques, ranging from textiles and natural dyes to printmaking processes such as screen printing and photopolymer printing. The resulting works bring together memory, observation and material research.
Gladys Zeevaarders, Thaumazein, 2026, fotografische ets op 30 grams Kozo papier, 84 x 110 cm Foto: Gladys Zeevaarders
Mein Freund, der Baum
The title Mein Freund, der Baum (My Friend, the Tree) refers to the artist’s special connection with the Brunssummerheide, a landscape closely linked to memories of her childhood. At the same time, the title references the 1968 song of the same name by German singer Alexandra, a personal favourite of Zeevaarders.
Music in the Presentation
Like literature and poetry, music is a recurring element in Zeevaarders’ artistic practice. For this presentation, she collaborated with singer, actress and songwriter Kikki Géron. Inspired by the artist’s work, stories and texts, Géron composed the piece Waldeinsamkeit. Composer and musician Paul Bremen provided additional compositions and production.
The music can be heard throughout the exhibition in the entrance area of the Glaspaleis.
Gladys Zeevaarders, Unio Mystica, 2024 - 2025, Zeefdrukken op vintage Franse linnen lakens, formaat druk 145 x 100 cm, voortdurende serie. Foto: Gladys Zeevaarders
About Gladys Zeevaarders
Gladys Zeevaarders grew up in the Parkstad region, lives in Grevenbicht and works in Maastricht. She studied at the Art Academy in Maastricht and was a participant at the Jan van Eyck Academy in 2022–2023. Her work has been shown in various exhibitions in the Netherlands and Belgium. In 2025, she presented her first solo exhibition, Il y avait un jardin, at Buitenplaats Kasteel Wijlre. She was awarded the Limburg Visual Arts Prize in 2022.
Gladys Zeevaarders