Bioart + Design Africa

VIAD

Imminent and Eminent Ecologies

de Lange was featured in the Dutch Design Week's Graduation Show in 2023 and shortlisted in the BNO Yearbook. She also won second prize in the Cor Unum Design Contest. 

Her early achievements include multiple awards in the Kunstbende Zuid-Holland competitions, excelling in both fashion and expo categories, as well as winning first and second prizes in various art competitions at Art Centre Kadmium in Delft and an international competition in Freiberg, Germany. de Lange’s career is marked by a hands-on approach to design, a deep fascination with nature, and the integration of scientific elements into her projects, reflecting her diverse educational background and broad professional experiences. 

General Artist Statement 

De Lange’s artistic practice revolves around a profound sense of wonder for the often-overlooked details in everyday life. Her projects, such as Mint and Spectrument highlight elements from nature or natural phenomena, giving them a prominent stage and inviting viewers to engage with the beauty and intricacy of the mundane. This deep dive into small wonders allows her to grasp the world on a personal level, offering her a sense of peace and freedom. This meticulous approach is evident in works like Avocado Gym Farm, where contemporary issues are connected to values she holds dear. 

de Lange’s methodology begins with a fascination for something small, focusing intently by imposing specific limitations on her process. This disciplined approach allows her to explore possibilities thoroughly, as seen in the work, Dutch Design, Made in Japan (2023) where she created over 400 ceramic glazes from just four stones. Her work often involves analogue techniques and natural materials, emphasising the importance of physical engagement with these elements, such as collecting materials from local forests or dyeing textiles naturally.  

Central themes in de Lange’s work include the interplay between exotic and local, science and art, and the relationship between nature and humanity. Her fascination with the exotic, combined with a commitment to sustainability, drives her vision for the Fruiture Nursery – a blend of tropical and local influences. While inspired by scientific methods, she values the artistic freedom to explore these concepts creatively.  

Looking ahead, de Lange aims to expand her practice by developing a botanical garden, integrating art with nature, and learning more about tropical fruit cultivation. Her work remains deeply connected to the traditions of craftsmanship, offering viewers a unique escape into meticulously crafted, imaginative worlds. 

Artist Statement on Display Collection 

My project for this exhibition explores the hidden microbiological world thriving on my smartphone, growing on the digital world it connects me to. It all began from my complex relationship with my phone, which, while keeping me connected to loved ones abroad, often consumes more of my time than I desire.  

Using various sampling techniques, I collected microorganisms from my phone, resulting in agar-based plates with bacterial colonies and fungi growth. To preserve and document these samples, I examined them under a microscope and compiled a collection of images. During this process, I discovered the unique projection properties of these samples. 

A significant breakthrough came during a visit to the Museum Africa in Johannesburg, where I was captivated by magic lanterns, an invention predating photography and film. Inspired, I visited a nearby museum in the Netherlands dedicated to magic lanterns. The museum's owner, intrigued by my project, lent me a 100-year-old projector and materials. After some repairs, I used it to project my dried samples. Sandwiched between glass pieces for protection, these samples were transformed into mesmerising 3-meter images, reminiscent of planets or moons, capturing the sense of wonder I aimed for. 

To display these projections, I created a wooden frame for the glass plates, which will hold the agar plates during the exhibition. The magic lantern will be used to project these plates, revealing the intricate and beautiful micro-world on a macro scale. This method not only highlights the contrast between the digital and analogue but also evokes a sense of curiosity and discovery.