fragments of vanity
Hello, my name is Stephan Sjouke and I am the artist behind Fragments of Vanity. In my work, I explore how we perceive the world around us. We all experience life through our own unique filters—shaped by our senses, our histories, and our beliefs. But these filters are imperfect. Our memories aren’t always reliable, and our understanding of reality is incomplete. Through my sculptures, I challenge the idea that we have a clear, absolute view of the world. Instead, I focus on the illusion that we, as individuals, hold the truth—an illusion rooted in vanity.
beauty in imperfection
Fragments of Vanity is my way of questioning the way we view the world and ourselves. I believe we all carry an inherent vanity in thinking that our personal truths are universal, that our perception is the only one that matters. In my work, I aim to reflect on that illusion and embrace the beauty in imperfection and uncertainty. Each piece is handmade, and I intentionally leave traces of the process—imperfections that highlight the fragility of our own beliefs and perceptions.
The Artworks
The artworks are fragments—pieces that represent the gaps in our perception and the false sense of certainty we often carry. A material like stone can be used to create a contrast between what feels permanent and the fragility of the subject. The textures and ungraspable forms mirror the tension between our belief in an objective truth and the reality that our understanding is always limited and flawed.These sculptures are not meant to provide answers, but to evoke thought: to remind us that, despite our assumptions, we are always just fragments within a much larger, ever-changing reality.
Stay in touch
I’d love to keep you updated on new works, exhibitions, and the creative process behind Fragments of Vanity. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to stay connected, join the conversation, and share your thoughts on how we all experience the world differently.