In Ontwor(s)telen (1977), the power of self-determination and connection with nature is visually captured. The painting shows a naked woman pulling on the branches of two imposing trees with determination and strength, untangling her own existence. Her natural state symbolizes purity , while her actions express the liberation of old barriers in relationships and the unlocking of her own potential .
The trees — their roots deeply embedded in the earth — represent the connection with our origins, but also the obstacles we sometimes carry. Her determined pulling on the branches symbolizes the efforts to break free , to untangle the old habits and ties that hold us down.
Unroot(ing) reminds us that we all have the ability to untangle the roots of our limitations and free our true potential. The work calls for introspection and self-development .
