brings people together

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.
 

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