ELIA VANDERHEYDEN

Eco Artist & co-founder of Atelier SPLINTER

Artist Statement

In my art, I explore the transformative moment when Earth undergoes a profound shift from its familiar state into the unknown realms of the Eschaton and beyond. My work reflects our world seen through the lenses of Climate Change, Art History, and Artificial Intelligence, serving as a poignant reminder of humanity's impact on our planet. Countless cultural and religious traditions have foreseen a reckoning for our actions, a time when we may be held accountable for our deeds as stewards of the Earth. Regardless of the veracity of these narratives, the undeniable truth is that our planet is suffering. My art captures this inevitable trajectory – the moments of upheaval, destruction, and chaos, as well as the potential for rebirth.

My vision paints a portrait of a future Earth where the presence of humanity is no longer required. It's a world where clouds morph into mountains, mountains ignite like fires, oceans evolve into grasslands, and grasslands dance with the wind. Through my work, I aim not only to starkly illustrate our detachment from this vision but also to reveal the inherent beauty of a planet that could thrive, even in our absence.

With each new work, I hope to convey the urgency of our collective responsibility to address the environmental challenges we face while inviting viewers to contemplate a world where nature reclaims its full majesty, free from our interference.