Linda Hartsema
she/her
Dual Identities
This work consists of two large acrylic paintings, each made up of 30 individual canvas tiles. The paintings show two different Irish landscapes, and some of the tiles were replaced by ones in a Delft blue colour. Each painting has an accompanying artist book. The book cloth was made by painting with fabric dye and acrylic ink on unprimed cotton/polyester canvas, referencing the Irish landscape of the paintings. The books when opened, show a Dutch landscape.
The work was inspired by my decision to apply for Irish citizenship, which will make me a dual Irish/Dutch citizen. I explored what it means to hold more than one nationality, and the different identities associated with them. While I cherish my hybrid identity, I sometimes experience feelings of disconnection, discomfort, and a not knowing quite where to belong. Some parts stay hidden, and other parts will never be fully understood.
Dual Identities I, acrylic on canvas tiles
Dual Identities II, crylic on canvas tiles
Dual Identities, artist books
Dual Identities, artist books
Dual Identities, review install
Research