Micky Hoogendijk’s series of sculptures, titled “The Ones,” which began in 2020, explores the theme of human connection. These bronze sculptures depict stylized figures, both individual and grouped, symbolizing strength and the invisible bonds between people. Hoogendijk describes them as embodiments of mutual support and resilience, emphasizing that while individuals are distinct (“One”), they derive strength from their connections (“The Ones”).
The transition from photography to sculpture marked a significant artistic evolution for Hoogendijk, driven by a desire for a more tactile and profound creative expression. Her sculptures, inspired by earlier photographic works, were crafted during the solitude of the Covid-19 lockdown, where she found the space and focus to delve into sculpting.
Working closely with the Kemner bronze foundry in Cuijk, Hoogendijk oversaw the transformation of her delicate designs into robust bronze sculptures. Despite initial feelings of vulnerability as her creations underwent the intense casting process, she was struck by their newfound strength and solidity once cooled. This contrast—fragility in form but strength in material—symbolizes the delicate yet resilient nature of human connections, a theme central to her artistic exploration.
Through “The Ones,” especially in her larger-scale works like “The Ones XXL,” Hoogendijk aims to create monumental sculptures that evoke both awe and intimacy, encouraging encounters and reflections on human interconnectedness. Her process of creating these sculptures becomes a deeply personal and immersive experie