Staircase

Romy Finke (1961, Schaesberg) works at the intersection of photography and visual art. Her connection to Heerlen is evident in every aspect of her practice. She has lived and worked in the city for many years, has family and friends nearby, and was actively involved with organisations such as kuS for a period of time. The Glaspaleis also plays a recurring role in her personal history: both her grandfather and mother worked there, and years later Romy had her studio on the building’s fourth floor. Since 1998, she has been represented in the SCHUNCK municipal collection with a range of photographs and textile works.

For her latest collection commission, Romy has spent the past months creating a new work that offers a unique perspective on the city, its architecture, and the role of the collection as a catalyst for reflection and wonder. The result consists of a series of Viewfinders, presented throughout the staircase as part of the exhibition STAIRCASE. In dialogue with the architecture of the space, these works are shown alongside pieces by Romy herself, Karin Peulen, Nieke Lemmens, Nonzuzo Gxekwa and her two sisters, Francy and Petra. Romy invited these artists because of the close personal and professional connections she shares with them. Once again, the theme of connectedness takes centre stage.