Full Of Emptiness

Dutch artist Machteld Rullens creates abstract wall-works and photographs, blurring the line between art and everyday life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 31 October 2021
Publisher: Zolo Press

Machteld Rullens (b. 1988, The Hague, Netherlands) is a Dutch artist who creates unique and captivating artwork by transforming cardboard boxes into vibrant and textured pieces. Rullens' artistic process begins with gathering discarded cardboard boxes, which she then cleans, rubs with color and resin, and stacks together to create abstract compositions. The boxes' flaps are left open or closed, revealing glimpses of their interiors, which are often filled with emptiness.

Rullens' debut artist book, "Full of Emptiness," showcases over sixty of her wall-works alongside photographs of friends, family, curious objects, and far-off travels. The artwork is documented using the same analogue camera, blurring the line between art and everyday life.

In an essay by Andrew Berardini, Rullens' work is described as "a meditation on the nature of objects and the spaces they inhabit." She explores the relationship between the physicality of the boxes and the emotions they evoke, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. Rullens' use of color and texture adds depth and dimension to her artwork, making it both visually stunning and thought-provoking.

One of the key elements of Rullens' work is the way she incorporates found objects into her compositions. These objects, which range from everyday items to more unusual finds, are carefully selected and placed within the boxes to create a sense of narrative and context. Rullens' ability to transform these objects into something new and meaningful is a testament to her artistic vision and skill.

Rullens' artwork has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and the Tate Modern in London. She has also been featured in numerous publications, including Artforum, Frieze, and The New Yorker.

Despite her success, Rullens remains humble and dedicated to her craft. She continues to explore new techniques and materials, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of art. Her work is a reminder of the power of creativity and the importance of looking at the world around us with fresh eyes.

In conclusion, Machteld Rullens is a Dutch artist who creates stunning and thought-provoking artwork by transforming cardboard boxes into vibrant and textured pieces. Her debut artist book, "Full of Emptiness," showcases over sixty of her wall-works alongside photographs of friends, family, curious objects, and far-off travels. Rullens' use of color and texture adds depth and dimension to her artwork, making it both visually stunning and thought-provoking. Her incorporation of found objects into her compositions adds a sense of narrative and context, and her ability to transform these objects into something new and meaningful is a testament to her artistic vision and skill. Rullens' artwork has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, and she remains humble and dedicated to her craft. Her work is a reminder of the power of creativity and the importance of looking at the world around us with fresh eyes.

Weight: 1002g
Dimension: 214 x 296 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781734527568