The invitation to show my series of YXIE gum prints in this beautiful place has a special meaning for me (us).
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During our stay at YXIE - Manoir des Arts in 2023, I was captivated
by the special atmosphere of the Manoir.
It exudes the history and allure of France from earlier times, especially due to the complete and original situation of the house and garden.
The rooms and beautiful staircases raise questions from former residents.
Who were they and did they have a function in the community of Villeblevin? And how old is the building?
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My affinity may also be because a branch of my family comes from France. Due to religious persecution, they were forced to leave their home in Maillerie and go to the Netherlands. Even though that was a long time ago (around 1600), there is a special affinity that I feel when I visit such a historic place such as the beautiful Manoir.

The photos I took are related to that affinity. I 'translated'
the images I saw in the atmosphere that the gum printing technique provides.
It has actually become a document of the place.

The series of gum prints that are made usually have a connection
a theme or inspiration through photos and images from my personal
archive. By recombining found images, one is created
new other world. (found footage).

The stay in this inspiring place, not to mention Kees' piano concerto in the side wing, and Moos' delicious meals were the source of inspiration for the resulting works.
It is wonderful to be able to exhibit them in YXIE - Manoir des Arts.

Joyce Ennik

It is also special that the inventor of the photographic gum printing technique
Frenchman Louis Alphonse Poitevin is and he did his experiments in the village of Conflans-sur-Anille, not so far from Villeblevin, around 1850.