About me
Artist Statement
Rebecca Cuschera's work delves into themes of inhabiting and living in spaces, questioning their meanings, implications, and differences. Using primarily upcycled materials, she focuses on the dynamic interplay between the opposing yet complementary materials of metal and felt—two elements central to her practice for many years. Her artistic journey began well before her time at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie, where she deepened her exploration of textiles and the ancient craft of felt-making, often collaborating with others to naturally dye her materials.
Textures and natural light play a crucial role in her work. The distinct light of each place she has lived has profoundly influenced her perception of materials and colours, as well as the unique textures of the materials she selects. She believes these textures and shapes hold an intrinsic and energetic power. In the Netherlands, she has been especially moved by the natural light and wideness of Friesland, which continues to shape her artistic vision and approach.
Rebecca’s practice is further informed by her interests in architecture, experimental music, theatre, and anthropology, often lending her work a performative quality. She is drawn to the idea of engaging with what’s already present—whether in the materials she finds or the communities she encounters. She seeks to connect with her surroundings, sometimes working within existing communities, and other times contributing to the creation of new ones.
A gleaner at heart, Rebecca frequently salvages discarded metal from demolished buildings, wool from local farms, and plants for natural pigments. Her work, abstract and sculptural, typically begins with small maquette before evolving into larger, site-specific installations, reflecting her ongoing fascination with shelters, homes, and urban structures.
Originally from Milan, with Sicilian roots, Rebecca moved to England to complete her high school education before relocating to the Netherlands for her bachelor’s and master’s studies. Now based in the Netherlands, she continues to challenge the relationships between material, space, and community in her evolving body of work.
Rebecca draws inspiration from Piero della Francesca for his use of space and colour, and is influenced by the Arte Povera movement, as well as the works of Joseph Beuys, Ibrahim Mahama and Rachel Whiteread. As Whiteread describes, "My work is the result of a thought process illustrated by sculptures," a description that deeply resonates with Rebecca's practice.