Residency by KATREIN BREUKERS at Landpark Assisië

At the initiative of Wobby, visual artist Katrein Breukers led clay workshops at Landpark Assisië in the summer of 2024, which subsequently inspired and led to a tapestry project.

Katrein was inspired by archival objects such as candle holders and chalices previously used in the church on the grounds of Landpark Assisië when it functioned as a monastery. Working closely together with the residents was the main goal of the workshop. Katrein invited the participants to explore, touch, knead and discover what the materials had to offer. This direct way of working led to the final result of the project, making the process fun and enjoyable.

Based on her residency, Katrein created five tapestries in which collages of the working process, the environment and the archive all come together. The tapestries show how a place can change and the way symbols move along with it. Landpark Assisië, once a monastery complex with a church at its centre, now has a shifted perspective on religion and its residents. All of these images appear in the tapestries: a repainted Van Gogh leaning on a walker, close-ups of hands working with clay, and priestly garments on mannequins. The joyous process remains visible, in addition to the history of Landpark and the ornamentation of the church.

About the artist

Born in Tilburg and based in Rotterdam, Katrein Breukers has her studio at Kunst&Complex. She graduated from FHK Tilburg, with a master’s degree in Fine Arts at the AKV St. Joost. Project-based work characterises Katrein's practice, in which she makes room for collaboration and improvisation, and in which she uses a personal approach. In her installations, Katrein implements various techniques and materials, especially ceramics and textiles. To revalue practices of decorative craftsmanship that have not historically been considered higher art forms. An example of this aspiration is the use of the quilt in her recent works.

Within Katrein’s work, she is always looking for a connection with the community, and collaborates with art institutions with a committed program. She previously made an educational exhibition for children at TENT (2021) and Villa Zebra (2023) in Rotterdam, and in 2024 was a jury member and curator of the Limburg Biennale 2024.

About Landpark Assisië & De Sam

Landpark Assisië in Biezenmortel is a residential care facility where Prisma provides support to people with intellectual disabilities. De Sam is a dedicated unit within the park that offers residents opportunities to engage in creative activities, including painting, drawing, and crafts. In addition, De Sam operates a shop at Landpark Assisië where these handcrafted creations are for sale.