http://vimeo.com/67729669
Brendnaut Smilde is a dutch artist whom is known for his work of creating indoor clouds in different spaces. He lives and works in Amsterdam. He received his BA in fine art at the Minerva Academy, Hanzehogeschool, Groningen and then received his MA in fine art at the Frank Mahr Institute, Hanzehogeschool, Groningen. His works have been shown worldwide and has has published in well known press. His personal statement reflects on his inspiration, stating that his "work often draws upon the physical presence of transitional spaces. Places such as corridors, elevators, staircases and balconies interest Smilde as spaces that exist to be in between. This interest also branches out into the possibility of how a given space might be in between states of construction and deconstruction". The print images are incredibly charming and shares an element of playful existence. However, the creation of the clouds via video are captivating in presence. It is said that his work is reminiscent of the surreal works of Rene Magritte. In regards to the playful reinterpretation of the an cartoon reference , Smilde invokes ideas of cloud association. Is it real? Is this a hallucination? Is it bad luck? The whimsical experience is daunting as well as interesting in it's serenity. Notice the simplicity if the singular spaces and the proximity of the cloud in relation to the empty spaces. Notice the distance and elevation of the cloud in the spaces as well.
Furthermore, it can only maintain it's existence in photographic form. Which then invites ideas of the possibilities of existence, belief or disbelief. The combination of transcendence in experience and actual material permanence is also part of his artwork. Smilde is sharing the ephmeral aspects of the experience. He states "It's about the potential of the idea, but in the end it will never function".
-Jess Devera