ROOTED

An Architecture of Belonging

True sanctuary is rarely a place; it is a state of being witnessed. ROOTED exists to challenge the boundaries of where we feel "at home." It is a visual manifesto asserting that identity, whether queer, cultural, or religious, is not a static point on a map, but a living, breathing root system. This work was created to dismantle the "us vs. them" narrative, replacing it with a stark, beautiful reality: that our shared vulnerabilities are the only soil in which true peace can grow.

The Narrative: Common Ground in the Dunes

In the desolate expanse of the Dutch dunes, two worlds converge under the boughs of a Scots pine. Arjan Spannenburg utilizes high-contrast monochrome to strip away the distractions of color, leaving only the raw geometry of an encounter.

The tree, with its exposed and weathered roots, serves as a mirror to the figures: it stands firm in shifting sands, just as the human spirit must find footing in shifting social landscapes. By bringing together the figure in traditional Middle Eastern garments, symbolizing a world often not fully understood, and the vulnerable protagonist, Spannenburg creates a "Common Ground." This is a space where the trauma of discrimination, felt deeply by both the LGBTQ+ and Muslim communities, is acknowledged and then transformed through proximity.

The Artifact: Resilience in Monochrome

ROOTED is a 80 x 120 cm fine art statement on resilience. The viewer is met with a profound silence. The dark, structured fabric of the garments acts as a protective shell against the pale, infinite horizon of the dunes.

For the international art collector, this piece offers more than aesthetic beauty; it offers a dialogue. It is a sophisticated exploration of multicultural integration and the psychological search for safety. It speaks to the curator who values art as a bridge,a way to find the "Common Ground" that exists beyond the borders of our differences.