Don’t touch me but please hold me III

In his artistic practice, Dom de Villiers engages with various contemplative inquiries that stem from his observations of the world around him, particularly in the context and legacies of the pandemic, ecological crises, and the concept of making home in times of turmoil.

These pieces reflect on the longing for human connection in a time of physical isolation and the slow progression of time during periods of stagnation and introspection. Yet they also speak to our longing to find meaning in uncertain times. 

Furthermore, it is an exploration of complex interconnected crises we face today, from extractivism, climate collapse, to making connections in times of disconnect. De Villiers explores a deeper understanding of bearing witness to disconnection with compassion and vulnerability, transcending traditional notions of observation to embrace a more profound and empathetic engagement with the Other. Through his art, De Villiers seeks to not only surface narratives of pressing global issues but also to invite viewers to contemplate the intricate and deeply personal connections between human experiences, societal structures, and the natural world. By engaging in contemplative creative inquiry and embracing the practice of wit(h)nessing, he hopes to contribute to a deeper exploration of our shared realities and the possibilities for healing and transformation.