Texts
Gaze - introduction and catalogue text by Lotte Moller, 2012
"Marjolein Rothman's struggle is a romantic struggle driven by the ultimate fear of not being able to express anything at all – as she states: “In the painting I am always looking for ways of leaving out as much as I can. Sometimes I am afraid there will be nothing left, that I will be left with the white canvas”.
Iconography - catalogue text by David Galloway, 2009
"Rothman herself has spoken of these works as “shadows of shadows,” and an earlier publication on her work was entitled Shadow Boxing. Metaphorically, at least, the boxer who engages in such warm-up exercises is “fighting” with himself, taking jabs at his own shadow, without which there would be no combat. The light-dark metaphor not only applies to the aesthetic strategies of these paintings but also to their content. The aim – indeed, the mission - of Rothman’s work is to look behind the images she employs in order to reveal their defining dark side."
Our Land - introduction and review bij Manon Berendse, 2008
"Ze stipt het delicate schemergebied tussen willen en kunnen aan door de voorstellingen te laten gutsen in het licht. Het is alsof je je ogen toe moet knijpen tegen een verzengende zon die alle nuances wegvaagt, alsof de foto's van destijds zijn kaal gebleven. Wat rest is het zwart van een hoekige contour of schaduw en het helle wit van volumes, ruimte en mogelijkheden."
Iconography I, II - introduction and pressrelease by Catherine Somze, 2006, 2007
"Ultimately, with this new series of portraits Rothman goes a step further in her study of the politics of perception that has been central to her artistic practice since she finished the Rijksakademie in 2004. Her portraits to be seen at Motive Gallery from 21 April to 2 June seem to tell us that, in fact, staged and depicted according to specific codes and conventions, each and every one of us can become a figurehead."
Shadow Boxing - text from the publication by Jurriaan Benschop
