NIMBUS D’ASPREMONT, 2012

In the Nimbus series, Smilde creates clouds in a diverse range of indoor locations, from coalmines to cathedrals. Nimbus clouds are clouds that produce precipitation. They are characterised by their low altitude, darker colour, due to the fact that they are dense in water, and great volume.

The works present a transitory moment of presence in those specific locations. They point both towards the physical state of the location as to the moment of revelation, pointing towards hope and vulnerability, loss or becoming. The artist plays into the many interpretations, which throughout time have been projected onto the phenomenon of clouds.

Smilde is interested in the temporary aspect of the work. It's there for a few seconds before it dissipates again. The work in the end only exists as a photograph, which functions as a document of something that happened on a specific location and has now disappeared.

In Nimbus D’Aspremont the architecture of the D’Aspremont-Lynden Castle in Rekem, Belgium, plays a significant role in the feel of the picture. ‘The contract between the original castle and its former use as a military hospital and mental institution is still visible.’ he writes in an interview with Clarie Tinsley. ‘You could say the spaces function as a plinth for the work.’ 

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Berndnaut Smilde (NL)
°1978, Groningen

Berndnaut Smilde is a Dutch visual artist, living and working in Amsterdam. His work consists of installations, sculptures and photographs. Using his daily surroundings and spaces as inspiration, Smilde is interested in the temporal nature of construction and deconstruction. His artistic point of view often centres on duality. His works question: inside and outside, temporality, size, the function of materials and architectural elements. Smilde holds an MA from the Frank Mohr Institute, Groningen. He is represented by Ronchini Gallery.