As a self-proclaimed contemporary alchemist, Hedwich Rooks’ practice consists of stretching concepts, extending bodies, digitizing matter and materializing data. The research-based work commonly draws on biology and geology, and often expresses itself in a combination of lens-based media and sculptural installations. The most constant factor that the work should ultimately convey is change. The matter of which life is composed is constantly in a state of new dialogue, matter is endlessly merging, especially now that humans can make conscious choices and influence it.

To engage in this dialogue, Hedwich works with microorganisms, deep time matter, metamaterials and other -sometimes terrestrial, sometimes extraterrestrial- phenomena and let them cross-pollinate. Based on this, the artistic activities are self-described as metabolic, in which chemical matter and its processes are (re)created. By practicing this, the works are quasi-grotesque with an alchemical vibe; these slightly defamiliarizing elements are applied to expose the unconventional and allow them to be more integrated into one’s realities.

CV + portfolio(s) on request; in addition to  art projects and photography, several portfolios in the fields of graphic design & illustration, (bio)materials and edibles (foodculture) are available.