Bergsma, Patrick

Netherlands, 1965

Mixed media

Bergsma’s work is mainly about people in relation to nature. He uses the ancient Chinese art of Penjing and The Japanese bonsai as a symbol of the resilience of nature. To recreate these natural elements, he has developed his own technique in which he uses polymer, iron wire, kaolin and quartz. He imaginatively combines the small versions of trees and nature that are indistinguishable from the real, handcrafted in this way with remnants of human civilization left behind.

These can be miniature versions of old rusty cars, crammed shopping carts or increasingly broken old and antique vases. These glossy vases form a nice contrast with the natural elements. People who sometimes forget that they are part of nature themselves are faced with growing problems due to increasing overpopulation. But whatever mess we make of it, nature will always find a way to survive and is excellent at adapting to changed circumstances.