I am Parel Strik (Brussels, 1997), living in Rotterdam.
My artistic practice delves into the transformative power of encounters and dialogues in public spaces, with a profound interest in fostering connections and exploring themes of hospitality, self-care, and sustainability.
My diverse work experience includes roles such as social designer for the neighbourhood council of Oud-Charlois and Wielewaal, organizing South Explorer and working as the community manager of the Rotterdamse Vrijheidsmaaltijden, where I orchestrate events that celebrate freedom, diversity, and communal connections. Additionally, I served as a guest curator for Paviljoen aan het Water. Besides that I develop and create conceptual dinners and public events where I am both a maker, host and programmer.
In 2024, I earned my Master’s degree in Fine Art from HKU with the project 'How to Care - Do You Care?'. During my bachelor's studies at the Willem de Kooning Academy in Rotterdam in 2022, I investigated the “Ingredients of an Encounter” through Transformation Design.
My workspace transcends the traditional studio, extending into the public realm where I facilitate experiences that bring people together. I believe that meeting at the dinner table is a powerful way to connect, share stories, and nurture relationships.
Through my art, I aim to cultivate not only connections but also a deeper understanding of the care we extend to others, which is intrinsically linked to the care we offer ourselves.
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Exhibitions/Experiences
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2025 ​​​​
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Rouwstoet - Week vol Herinnering for Cultuur Concreet - 1 Nov. ​
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Crossing Tables- Foraging the city at Fenix Migration Museum - 18 Sept.
Buurt Brunch as part of Weergaloos Charlois - 28 Sept.
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Solo exhibition at 'Dingen die niet verkopen' as part of NOMNOMNOM - March
Rotterdam icon project launch - June
Featured on: Tv Rijnmond, Trouw, de Havenloods. and Radio Funx
Taxi Travis - in collaborating with Merit Zimmermann and Rib as part of 'Het Zuid Manifest -I Love Carlos'
- shown during Rotterdam Art Week and South Explorer - March 2025. Featured on Stadskrant Rotterdam
'How to Care - Do you Care?' - shown at the conference 'Care, Aesthetics and Repair'
curated by Marieke Folkers as part of Meaningful Artistic Research. Featured on UVH
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2024 ​
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​'Stadsdiner' In assignment of the Municipality of Rotterdam as part of Placemaking Week Europe.
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Guest-curator for the month of July at Paviljoen ...aan het Water
'How to Care - Do you care? - at BAK- basis voor actuele kunst
As part of the Graduation show Master Fine Art HKU show (Dis)-comfort Narratives: moving with the feeling
and on show at Casco Art Institute - Hidden Arts: What do we make when no one sees us
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2023
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'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
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"Schouw me aan" Art Rotterdam x Aanschouw
2022
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'Urban Cannibalism' - Live radioshow with Expodium on Stranded.FM
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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
2021 ​
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Group show - Creating connections and rethinking surroundings - De Wasserij
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Textiel Bienale (Food for thought') - 'Diner van de Maatschappij' - Museum Rijswijk
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Graduation party 'Making a salad' - Willem de Kooning Academy
Publieke Werken Rotterdam
'Food/Eten' - Simulacrum Magazine Vol. 29, no. 4
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Future Intel
Film festival Rencontres Internationales Berlin/Paris New Cinema and contemporary art​
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2020 ____
Museumnacht Rotterdam -'Where do you sit?' - Het Nieuwe Instituut
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2019
Grondstoffen - with Jennifer de Jonge - Museum het Warenhuis
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2018
Fingerlicking Good - Dutch Design Week
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2017
Workshop Make cutlery (with Steinbeisser) - Gerrit Rietveld Academy
Lecture 'Introducing Food design' (with Creative Chef and de Culinaire Werkplaats)- Gerrit Rietveld Academy
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