Ludamus III, 2019, 47 x 62 cm

"Young women become ingredients in Smulders’ system. Older work show nymphlike dark bodies returning to earth bringing life. Her latest series show young women of sandy-coloured skin, like the colour of sand-stone used in Gothic ornaments. Thinking about using a model in the reflection of water or mirror, one can only conclude the models must have been floating above the mirror and basin. These are incredibly beautiful additions that show the human quest: what is reality, can I slip just one finger or toe through the mirror to get behind or do I walk into new realities? What a great theme within the context of this church. " (Bart Rutte in his opening speech)