Nicolaas Hein
My work is based on the paradox of rugged men looking for happiness in gold, but actually finding it in themselves and each other.
SUIT - CASE
By Nicolaas Hein, The Royal Academy of Art, The Hague
In 1897, 40.000 men migrated to Klondike in Yukon, Canada in the hope to find gold and happiness. Having survived this life-threatening journey, upon arrival, most men got caught up in some sort of carnival instead of an actual search for gold. My work is based on the paradox that took place at Klondike: rugged men looking for happiness in gold, but actually finding it in themselves and each other.
Inspired by an old tale:
“All my life,” he said, ”I have searched for the treasure.
I have sought it in the highplaces, and in the narrow.
I have sought it in deep jungles, and at the ends of rivers,
and in dark caverns – and yet have not found it.
“Instead, at the end of every trail,
I have found you awaiting me.
And now you have become familiar to me,
though I cannot say I know you well.
Who are you?”
And the stranger answered: “Thyself.”
Photo: Peter Stigter
Additional information
About Lichting
The concept of ‘Lichting’ is simple: the best academy graduates of one year in 1 central catwalk show. In the audience are the 700 most important people for the next step in their careers: fashion journalists and influential stylists, ready to spot the next big thing; CEO’s and design managers on the look-out for talent; and the all-important players-behind-the-scenes, all eager to see what the nation’s academies have brought forth this year.
