I am Parel Strik (Brussels, 1997) currently residing in Rotterdam. My artistic practice is about the transformative powers of encounters and dialogue in public space, with a deeper interest in fostering connections and exploring themes of hospitality, self-care and sustainability.
After graduating from Willem de Kooning Academy in Rotterdam in 2022, where I explored the “Ingredients of an Encounter '' through Transformation Design, I am now pursuing a Master’s degree in Fine Art at HKU. In addition to that I play a pivotal role as a programmer and connector for the Rotterdamse Vrijheidsmaaltijden, where I orchestrate events celebrating freedom, diversity, and communal connections.
My working space is not confined to a studio, it extends into the public realm, where I facilitate experiences that invite people to come together and challenge established norms collectively.
At the heart of my practice is the belief in the profound significance of the dinner table as a symbolic space for meaningful human connections. I believe that the act of meeting each other at the dinner table is a potent metaphor for coming together, sharing stories, and nurturing relationships.
Through my art, I aspire to nurture not only connections but also a deeper understanding of the care we extend to others, which is intrinsically tied to the care we offer ourselves.
Exhibitions/Experiences
2023
2022
2021
2020 ____
Museumnacht Rotterdam -'Where do you sit?' - Het Nieuwe Instituut
2019
Grondstoffen - with Jennifer de Jonge - Museum het Warenhuis
2018
Fingerlicking Good - Dutch Design Week
2017
Workshop Make cutlery (with Steinbeisser) - Gerrit Rietveld Academy
Lecture 'Introducing Food design' (with Creative Chef and de Culinaire Werkplaats)- Gerrit Rietveld Academy
'Where do we ant?' a three day workshop with the first and second year bachelors fine art of HKU
Home-made dinner with Julija Mockuté - Dinner Session - Grey Space in the Middle
"Schouw me aan" Art Rotterdam x Aanschouw
'Urban Cannibalism' - Live radioshow with Expodium on Stranded.FM
Making a (fruit) salad - Lab days/ Open day at HKU Master Fine Art
Hunger Walk - a score for a collective walk in Werkspoorkwartier (Utrecht) - Expodium
Graduation show 2022 - Willem de Kooning Academy
Group show - Creating connections and rethinking surroundings - De Wasserij
Textiel Bienale (Food for thought') - 'Diner van de Maatschappij' - Museum Rijswijk
Graduation party 'Making a salad' - Willem de Kooning Academy
Publieke Werken Rotterdam
'Food/Eten' - Simulacrum Magazine Vol. 29, no. 4
Future Intel
Film festival Rencontres Internationales Berlin/Paris New Cinema and contemporary art