Individual artworks
Individual artworks
Every artwork is a unique invitation to step into another person's world.
Every artwork is a unique invitation to step into another person's world.
Commonalities
Each Commonalities artwork is an encounter.
It tells the story of another human being.
Together with the materials, symbols and mirror, every artwork invites you to discover not only another culture, but also something of yourself.
Each Commonalities artwork is an encounter.
It tells the story of another human being.
Together with the materials, symbols and mirror, every artwork invites you to discover not only another culture, but also something of yourself.
The gallery
Would you like more than one artwork in your
home, company, institute or organisation?
Would you like more than one artwork in your
home, company, institute or organisation?
Find all details about each artwork below
Roots
Roots
The story of this encounter
The Aymara are a people living in the Andes, spread out over parts of Peru and Bolivia. I met this Aymara woman when I visited the northern part of the country, near the Titicaca lake.
She was a member of the town's council to represent the Aymara culture and traditions in the church and towards aid organisations.
A powerful expression of this Aymara culture is the aguayo. It is a traditional, brightly woven textile, used primarily by women to carry babies, goods, or personal belongings on their backs. Or simply as shawl for some extra warmth.
And this Aymara woman proudly wears it as a symbol of her roots.
There is probably a lot that makes you or your life very different from that of this Aymara woman. Still, there are probably also commonalities to be found.
Invitation for reflection:
What symbols or objects, decoration maybe, do you wear that represent your roots or culture? When do you stand up for your traditions towards organisations or institutions?
Price: € 2500,- (incl. VAT)
The story of this encounter
The Aymara are a people living in the Andes, spread out over parts of Peru and Bolivia. I met this Aymara woman when I visited the northern part of the country, near the Titicaca lake.
She was a member of the town's council to represent the Aymara culture and traditions in the church and towards aid organisations.
A powerful expression of this Aymara culture is the aguayo. It is a traditional, brightly woven textile, used primarily by women to carry babies, goods, or personal belongings on their backs. Or simply as shawl for some extra warmth.
And this Aymara woman proudly wears it as a symbol of her roots.
There is probably a lot that makes you or your life very different from that of this Aymara woman. Still, there are probably also commonalities to be found.
Invitation for reflection:
What symbols or objects, decoration maybe, do you wear that represent your roots or culture? When do you stand up for your traditions towards organisations or institutions?
Price: € 2500,- (incl. VAT)
Guidance
Guidance
The story of this encounter
When young boys first enter a Tibetan buddhist monastery, they are assigned a shagen, a mentor or teacher that will, from then on, guide them through their lives as a monk.
This shagen functions as a parent and teacher. He takes care of them and helps them with their schoolwork.
Some of these shagens can be very disciplinary, where others are more of a good friend to the boys.
But a true shagen is a guide and helps the child to follow and find his own path. That makes them highly respected by both their students as others, which is represented by the ritual hat that only highly graduated monks can wear during important ceremonies.
There is probably a lot that makes you or your life very different from that of this wise monk. Still, there are probably also commonalities to be found.
Invitation for reflection:
Who guides you through life? Or for who are you a guide? And what kind of guidance do you wish to give?
Price: € 2500,- (incl. VAT)
The story of this encounter
When young boys first enter a Tibetan buddhist monastery, they are assigned a shagen, a mentor or teacher that will, from then on, guide them through their lives as a monk.
This shagen functions as a parent and teacher. He takes care of them and helps them with their schoolwork.
Some of these shagens can be very disciplinary, where others are more of a good friend to the boys.
But a true shagen is a guide and helps the child to follow and find his own path. That makes them highly respected by both their students as others, which is represented by the ritual hat that only highly graduated monks can wear during important ceremonies.
There is probably a lot that makes you or your life very different from that of this wise monk. Still, there are probably also commonalities to be found.
Invitation for reflection:
Who guides you through life? Or for who are you a guide? And what kind of guidance do you wish to give?
Price: € 2500,- (incl. VAT)
Perseverance
Perseverance
The story of this encounter
Travelling through the north of Namibia we saw them more and more: the stately Herero women dressed in beautiful, colourful Victorian dresses.
With their characteristic, wide-spreading hats.
Behind those hats lies a story of perseverance.
Until the colonists entered the land of the Herero and imposed their values, standards and rules, the Herero women wore cow horns as headgear.
The European colonists found that uncivilised and demanded that the Herero women who came to work for them adapt to their own dress code: Victorian dresses and matching, 'decent' hats.
The Herero women did that, but in their own way. With their own colourful batik fabrics they created their own Herero Victorian dresses. And by rolling up a newspaper in the cheerful fabric, they imitated the horns.
With that perseverance they held on to their culture and preserved their dignity.
Looking at the Herero woman in this mirror, you imagine yourself in her world for a moment. And you will undoubtedly notice differences. At the same time, you have certainly had to be persistent in your life?
Invitation for reflection:
When have you shown perseverance, like the Herero woman?
Price: € 2500,- (incl. VAT)
The story of this encounter
Travelling through the north of Namibia we saw them more and more: the stately Herero women dressed in beautiful, colourful Victorian dresses.
With their characteristic, wide-spreading hats.
Behind those hats lies a story of perseverance.
Until the colonists entered the land of the Herero and imposed their values, standards and rules, the Herero women wore cow horns as headgear.
The European colonists found that uncivilised and demanded that the Herero women who came to work for them adapt to their own dress code: Victorian dresses and matching, 'decent' hats.
The Herero women did that, but in their own way. With their own colourful batik fabrics they created their own Herero Victorian dresses. And by rolling up a newspaper in the cheerful fabric, they imitated the horns.
With that perseverance they held on to their culture and preserved their dignity.
Looking at the Herero woman in this mirror, you imagine yourself in her world for a moment. And you will undoubtedly notice differences. At the same time, you have certainly had to be persistent in your life?
Invitation for reflection:
When have you shown perseverance, like the Herero woman?
Price: € 2500,- (incl. VAT)
Reverence
Reverence
The story of this encounter
The beautiful dress that this Tibetan lady is wearing shows her central Tibetan roots. As a woman living in exile in India she doesn't daily wear this, but only on special occasions or celebrations like Tibetan new year.
To her, this is an expression of reverence for her homeland.
There is probably a lot that makes you or your life very different from that of this exiled Tibetan woman. Still, there are probably also commonalities to be found.
Invitation for reflection:
How do you show reverence to your land, your culture? Is there a special dress that expresses your connection with your homeland?
Price: € 2500,- (incl. VAT)
The story of this encounter
The beautiful dress that this Tibetan lady is wearing shows her central Tibetan roots. As a woman living in exile in India she doesn't daily wear this, but only on special occasions or celebrations like Tibetan new year.
To her, this is an expression of reverence for her homeland.
There is probably a lot that makes you or your life very different from that of this exiled Tibetan woman. Still, there are probably also commonalities to be found.
Invitation for reflection:
How do you show reverence to your land, your culture? Is there a special dress that expresses your connection with your homeland?
Price: € 2500,- (incl. VAT)
Friendship
Friendship
The story of this encounter
Traditionally, Moroccan women spend a lot of time at home, with their children, and with other women.
Sisters in law, friends, neighbours.
Like these women. They moved into their husbands' homes, straight after marrying them, at around the same time. That is how they became neighbours and friends.
Sharing pregnancies, babysitting eachother's children and sharing food.
Until today they regularly visit eachother and then go strolling around their gardens to find ingredients to add to their evening meal.
True friends for life.
The (Moroccan) roses on this panel represent the love and deep friendship they feel for eachother.
Now even though you might live a life that is very different from that of these Moroccan friends. Still, you can also find commonalities.
Invitation for reflection:
With whom do you share a friendship that almost feels as if you are family?
Price: € 2500,- (incl. VAT)
The story of this encounter
Traditionally, Moroccan women spend a lot of time at home, with their children, and with other women.
Sisters in law, friends, neighbours.
Like these women. They moved into their husbands' homes, straight after marrying them, at around the same time. That is how they became neighbours and friends.
Sharing pregnancies, babysitting eachother's children and sharing food.
Until today they regularly visit eachother and then go strolling around their gardens to find ingredients to add to their evening meal.
True friends for life.
The (Moroccan) roses on this panel represent the love and deep friendship they feel for eachother.
Now even though you might live a life that is very different from that of these Moroccan friends. Still, you can also find commonalities.
Invitation for reflection:
With whom do you share a friendship that almost feels as if you are family?
Price: € 2500,- (incl. VAT)
Transformation
Transformation
The story of this encounter
In Himba culture the use of red ochre is very common. The women mix the ochre with goat's or cow's fat and make it into a paste that they apply all over their bodies and their hair. Giving them a brown-orange like glow.
From as early as possible, Himba girls wear two braids towards the front of their heads, to make them recognizable as girls.
As they grow older towards adolescence they are introduced to the use of ochre, which also marks their transformation of growing into womanhood.
Now even though you might not be familiar with applying ochre on your hair or body. Still, you can also find commonalities between you and this girl and her culture.
Invitation for reflection:
How was your transformation into adulthood? What customs did you get introduced to when you turned older that you couldn't do or attend when you were a child?
Price: € 2500,- (incl. VAT)
The story of this encounter
In Himba culture the use of red ochre is very common. The women mix the ochre with goat's or cow's fat and make it into a paste that they apply all over their bodies and their hair. Giving them a brown-orange like glow.
From as early as possible, Himba girls wear two braids towards the front of their heads, to make them recognizable as girls.
As they grow older towards adolescence they are introduced to the use of ochre, which also marks their transformation of growing into womanhood.
Now even though you might not be familiar with applying ochre on your hair or body. Still, you can also find commonalities between you and this girl and her culture.
Invitation for reflection:
How was your transformation into adulthood? What customs did you get introduced to when you turned older that you couldn't do or attend when you were a child?
Price: € 2500,- (incl. VAT)
Identity
Identity
The story of this encounter
The headpiece worn bij this Himba woman is a symbol of the fact that she is married. It is made of goatskin.
It defines her identity as a married, Himba woman.
The Himba people are proud of their culture and traditions, one of which is their dress. Himba women wear skirts made of goatskin, no top, but their chest is decorated by handmade jewellery. Also typical for Himba culture is the fact they use red ochre to cover their skin, which gives them protection from the sun and insects.
When looking at this Himba woman in the mirror, you will find yourself in her world.
There is probably a lot that makes you or your life very different from that of this woman. Still there are probably also commonalities to be found:
Invitation for reflection:
What are your symbols for identifying yourself as you are or as you are seen by your society?
Price: € 2500,- (incl. VAT)
The story of this encounter
The headpiece worn bij this Himba woman is a symbol of the fact that she is married. It is made of goatskin.
It defines her identity as a married, Himba woman.
The Himba people are proud of their culture and traditions, one of which is their dress. Himba women wear skirts made of goatskin, no top, but their chest is decorated by handmade jewellery. Also typical for Himba culture is the fact they use red ochre to cover their skin, which gives them protection from the sun and insects.
When looking at this Himba woman in the mirror, you will find yourself in her world.
There is probably a lot that makes you or your life very different from that of this woman. Still there are probably also commonalities to be found:
Invitation for reflection:
What are your symbols for identifying yourself as you are or as you are seen by your society?
Price: € 2500,- (incl. VAT)
Marriage
Marriage
The story of this encounter
In almost every culture marriage is among the highest valued statuses a person can achieve. Therefore there are symbols to show everyone that you are married.
This also goes for Tibetan culture. Traditionally Tibetan women wear a chupa, a foldover, long dress. Originally made of wool, but in the warmer climate of Nepal and India, Tibetan women in exile use cotton or, for special occasions, silk.
And when the woman is married she ads the apron to her dress. A colourfully striped, rectangular fabric (often wool, cotton or satin) that is the cultural symbol for marriage.
That is what is applied to this panel as well. On the sides there is the silk, representing the chupa. And the striped satin fabric is an apron.
Now even though you might not be wearing an apron as a symbol of your marital status. And you might look, believe and live very differently than this woman does. Still, you can also find commonalities.
Invitation for reflection:
What symbols are common in your culture to display your marital status? Have you started to dress differently as you became older and your role in society changed?
Price: € 2500,- (incl. VAT)
The story of this encounter
In almost every culture marriage is among the highest valued statuses a person can achieve. Therefore there are symbols to show everyone that you are married.
This also goes for Tibetan culture. Traditionally Tibetan women wear a chupa, a foldover, long dress. Originally made of wool, but in the warmer climate of Nepal and India, Tibetan women in exile use cotton or, for special occasions, silk.
And when the woman is married she ads the apron to her dress. A colourfully striped, rectangular fabric (often wool, cotton or satin) that is the cultural symbol for marriage.
That is what is applied to this panel as well. On the sides there is the silk, representing the chupa. And the striped satin fabric is an apron.
Now even though you might not be wearing an apron as a symbol of your marital status. And you might look, believe and live very differently than this woman does. Still, you can also find commonalities.
Invitation for reflection:
What symbols are common in your culture to display your marital status? Have you started to dress differently as you became older and your role in society changed?
Price: € 2500,- (incl. VAT)
Matriarch
Matriarch
The story of this encounter
This Moroccan elderly lady is the matriarch of her family. After her husband passed away and all of her adult children left the parental home, she stayed there.
Now her home, where all walls are decorated with tiles like these, is the safe haven where everyone is always welcome. On a regular basis all of her children come together with her. She serves as a connector a guardian of memories, and a pillar of support.
When looking at this Moroccan woman in the mirror, you will find yourself in her world.
There is probably a lot that makes you or your life very different from that of this lady. Still there are probably also commonalities to be found.
Invitation for reflection:
How do you connect (with) the people around you? Do you serve as a safe haven or pillar of support for you near and dear, who need it?
Price: € 2500,- (incl. VAT)
The story of this encounter
This Moroccan elderly lady is the matriarch of her family. After her husband passed away and all of her adult children left the parental home, she stayed there.
Now her home, where all walls are decorated with tiles like these, is the safe haven where everyone is always welcome. On a regular basis all of her children come together with her. She serves as a connector a guardian of memories, and a pillar of support.
When looking at this Moroccan woman in the mirror, you will find yourself in her world.
There is probably a lot that makes you or your life very different from that of this lady. Still there are probably also commonalities to be found.
Invitation for reflection:
How do you connect (with) the people around you? Do you serve as a safe haven or pillar of support for you near and dear, who need it?
Price: € 2500,- (incl. VAT)
What clients experience
Evalien Rengers
Director of SKO Oegstgeest
A catalyst for human connection.
A catalyst for human connection.
The three mirror portraits we bought for our childcare organisation, are more than beautiful artworks, they are catalysts for reflection, dialogue and connection. They invite children, parents and professionals to share their own stories, discover different perspectives and truly see one another.
Why I created Commonalities
All of my life I travelled the world as a cultural anthropologist, writer and photographer.
Again and again I discovered that beneath our different traditions, languages and appearances, we have so much in common: our shared humanity.
Commonalities is my invitation to remember that.
All of my life I travelled the world as a cultural anthropologist, writer and photographer.
Again and again I discovered that beneath our different traditions, languages and appearances, we have so much in common: our shared humanity.
Commonalities is my invitation to remember that.
