GRIMOIRE

2024

Grimoire is a transformative project where Woudenberg embraces the archetype of the witch to explore themes of empowerment, resilience, and the integration of body and mind. In this series of self-portraits, she channels the inner strength and wisdom derived from witchcraft, using her body as a medium to confront and challenge various forms of oppression.

Grimoire shown in Graduation Show Willem de Kooning Academy, 2024

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Grimoire shown in Best of Graduates, Ron Mandos Gallery, 2024.
Photo taken by J de Waart, made possible by Ron Mandos Gallery

The body and mind are often seen as separate entities, but through the lens of witchcraft, she has come to understand them as deeply interconnected. Woudenberg's work reflects this unity, drawing on teachings and rituals to highlight the body as a source of power, healing, and spiritual insight. Each self-portrait becomes a ritualistic act, a moment of meditative connection between her physical form and her inner world.

Through Grimoire, Woudenberg aims to reclaim agency over her body and narrative, presenting a counter-narrative to the societal norms that often seek to diminish the feminine experience. By embodying the witch, she invokes a powerful symbol of defiance and autonomy, one that stands in opposition to historical and contemporary forms of marginalization and control.

This project is not only a personal journey but also a call to others to recognize and embrace their inherent power. It speaks to the importance of self-discovery and the courage to live authentically, drawing strength from the ancient practices of witchcraft and applying them to modern struggles.

Grimoire is an invitation to step into a space of introspection and transformation, to see the body not just as a vessel but as a sacred site of wisdom and resistance. It is a celebration of the enduring spirit of the witch and a testament to the resilience found within us all.