Merel Van Slobbe x David Paulus

CONTRAST

What does a contradiction mean? Is it a division, a tension, or rather an opening toward something new?
In this multidisciplinary installation, ‘CONTRAST‘, fashion designer David Paulus and writer Merel van Slobbe explore how contrast and transformation manifest through image, body, and sound. The work unfolds as a dialogue where intimate audio fragments meet physical objects. The space invites reflection on the contradictions that exist within yourself and in relation to others.
The installation is not a finished story, but an open invitation to embody, listen to, and celebrate tension and change.

Merel van Slobbe is a poet and maker. She enjoys working with (a combination of) audio, image, and text. In 2019, her chapbook Aan de rand van een lichaam was published by Wintertuin Uitgeverij. In 2023, she made her official debut with the poetry collection De maan schijnt feller in de metaverse at De Arbeiderspers, which was shortlisted for both the Grote Poëzieprijs and the C. Buddingh’ Prize. In 2023/2024, she was a writer-in-residence at the Jan van Eyck Academie, where she created the publication LIQUID CRYSTAL FIBER. Central themes in her work include the internet, magic, and technology.

David Paulus is an Afro-Caribbean artist from Curaçao, deeply rooted in the island’s rich cultural traditions. His work combines traditional and contemporary elements, reflecting the diversity of Caribbean identity. With a passion for storytelling and cultural preservation, David uses various media to explore themes such as heritage, community, and social connectedness. His art invites reflection and dialogue, contributing to the positive visibility of Afro-Caribbean culture. Through his creative vision, he inspires both local and international communities.