But I Thought

Marieken Cochius

Oil on wood panel
30 x 40 in. 2018. 

All my work is inspired by nature, a combination of what is present and what is sensed but cannot be touched. I grew up in the Netherlands, one of the most densely populated and overdeveloped countries in the world. My world was artificial. Real nature and its animals existed only in fairy tales, or the Middle Ages, or far away in other countries. I always wanted to leave. Now, living in the United States, with its expanses and nature being harmed and threatened by the reversal of so many environmental laws, brain drain happening at top ecological organizations (things not reversible even with a hopefully environmentally more proactive and conscious government), I feel the scales have tipped.

Marieken Cochius is a Dutch-born artist who has lived and worked in New York City since 1987, and in the Hudson Valley since 2013. Her work encompasses drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking. Cochius' work has been exhibited in places ranging from New York City, Berkeley, Austin, and Los Angeles, to Japan, Germany, and The Netherlands. Her work is in numerous private collections in the United States and Europe. She has also collaborated with musicians and other artists. A public sculptural commission was completed in 2017 for the Village of Wappingers Falls, NY, and will be installed in 2018. Recent solo shows in 2016 were at Matteawan Gallery in Beacon, NY, and Holland Tunnel Gallery in Brooklyn, NY. She has participated in two residencies at the Vermont Studio Center. Cochius has participated in recent group exhibitions at Ann Street Gallery, Newburgh, NY; LAB Space, Hillsdale, NY; Sideshow Gallery, Brooklyn, NY; Ube Gallery, Berkeley, CA; Brick Gallery, Catskill, NY.