Saskia Holmkvist - b. 1971 - lives and works in Stockholm.

My art touches upon existential questions, the starting point being the human consciousness and its flexibility. I work by posing questions or problems rather than points of view, and in the forming of the work, I illustrate an aspect of a phenomenon enabling the viewer to participate in the work by continuing the thought process himself.

My approach often has a micro - macro perspective; the personal sphere which is linked to the social and political spheres. The piece System gives a clear example of this. Different aspects of power often constitute an underlying theme in my work. In power contexts a victim is always involved and the ensuing relationship is an important starting point for me. It is here that questions and problems can arise. They can involve anything from the real power in a socio/economic sense to something more abstract such as time or our consciousness.

This is a brief introduction to my art. The techniques I use are video, audio and photography.

ARTWORK

Saskia Holmkvist
About System

The piece is called System and is concerned with how we classify our thoughts and allow them to appear theoretically logical until the opposite is proven. The piece tells three stories which are based on reality. The image is of an insect. When we see it, our imagination allows us either to kill it or see it as part of the ecological system; is it in the home or is it elsewhere and where does it threaten us?

When we feel threatened, we do things we might not do in a different situation. We can conclude from this that our values regarding killing someone or something vary drastically depending on the circumstances. In one case it can be called 'cleansing', in another, extermination or mass murder, but the dividing line is very fine. People can be extremely systematic in their analysis of situations, often without considering the consequences. If our integrity is threatened we find theories which support our cause. If the goal is considered appropriate we can 'cleanse' with a clear conscience and be politically correct.

The irony is that it is the same thinking which leads to catastrophes throughout the world when those with power enforce similar ideas on society, for whatever reason. The consequences are greater and the results can be devastating. In theory, conditions may seem favourable, but without warning, the situation can change totally.