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Badkamer van stro [Bathroom made of straw] is made of hay, rope and glue, and woven together using one of the oldest construction techniques. A generous bathtub with high rims, symbolises a life of abundance, but tells the story of the poor man through the material. The desire to relax in the bath is tempered by the protruding, sharp stalks of straw.

The work emphasises the contrast between prosperity, in the form of a luxurious bath, and poverty, by the use of simple agricultural materials. Who gets to relax? Who is privy to the luxury of time, space and rest? As the gap between the wealthy and the less fortunate widened during the COVID-19 pandemic, I wondered if time for relaxation and space for contemplation are forms of privilege. In big cities like The Hague, families live in small flats in suburbs. Housing space is scarce, which means that, on average, many people live in relatively small areas. Space, or the lack of it, is an important gauge for understanding the influence of socio-economic contexts: there is literally less room for (mental) peace and quiet.