About
Lonneke Jonker is a conceptual artist from the Netherlands, currently studying a masters in visual arts at the Fine art University in Chiang mai.
In her artworks she questions the role of our identity and how we find our connections with others within the boundaries of our societies. Using tools such as food and installations, she creates an atmosphere wherein people can participate and connect with the artwork, as well be an observer. Jonker’s works include humor, human connection, food, ethics, and questions our contemporary (food) culture.
Jonker's artworks are seen in various fields such as the public space, social centers, festivals as well as in museums and galleries. She is known by many as a social food artist. Her mediums vary depending on the concept, however connecting people plays a central role in her art practice.
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What constitutes and influences a culture? As far back as I can remember I am interested in the nature that we call our culture. Where do these cultural habits come from? Each country, even each city, subculture or counterculture has their own cultural habits. One of the things that interest me within the cultural jungle is food. Rotterdam, the city I lived in for nine years, has many people from different cultures living within the city boundaries. Every culture has their own (food)habits and these habits are visible in the contemporary food culture in the city. The public places where the cultural exchange is noticeable are the city markets. Where I get most of my inspiration from are the markets and street-food culture. The way people consume their food fascinates me.
As an artist I want to challenge the way we think about food and make people aware of the nature that we call our culture. For me it is important to share values, recipes and inform the audience in a playful, edible and visual way.
I believe in the strength of people either as individuals or as a group.
Often the feeling arises that you cannot change the way things are. Values mostly stem from the culture we grew up in and frame our thinking on what is "normal" and "correct".
People have the capability to learn new things from each other in many different ways. An important place to start sharing these ideas and work together is at the dinner table.
