Liza Houben is an interdisciplinary Dutch artist who creates hybrid installation work that revolves around the themes of feminist sci-fi, reproduction, transitions and transhumanism. Her works are monumental handmade fragile sculptures and durational performances. In her work Houben connects a “strong” element or an element that according to the stereotype of masculinity is associated with the woman. Her works contain cold, metal and organic forms. When Houben develop new sculptures, she fuses organic forms with abstract elemental forms, referring to the original function as well as to a new function of those forms. The sculpture thus transforms into its future function.

“With my hybrid performance installations I always envision future female sci-fi worlds in which we could live. They are eternally and rapidly changing landscapes, constructed by Mother Nature in symbiosis with technology. Cities, where eggs are currency and artificial forests that function as disconnected wombs. Where specific feminine qualities are democratized or obtainable from a vending machine. Where we can move as fluid consciousness in all matter; where persons, souls or materials have their own agency to transform or mix with living materials. Where we can explore the limits of our queer bodies by redefining and updating them. In the installations I create a world that is no longer limited by female stereotypes and social norms. Join me on an utopian quest based on spiritual and feminine thinking. In June 2021 I played with my piece called Lake at Holland Festival in De Brakke grond in Amsterdam. During my residency period at AM in Almere I will work on my new landscape called Blossom.”

Read more about Liza Houben’s project during DE KWEKERIJ here.