Cutting the Cake: An Artistic Duo

Jolanda de Meester, a textile designer who graduated from Artemis in 2009, and Karen Steenwinkel, a photographer with a degree from HKU in 1999, form the creative partnership known as Cutting the Cake. Together, they transform deeply personal themes into striking visual art.

Their journey began in 2007, when Jolanda crafted a performance art dress made of tampons and plaster,  asking Karen to capture its essence through photography. During that photoshoot, (photo above) they discovered a powerful synergy—an alignment of creative visions that felt like a single, unified voice. This connection sparked a decade-long collaboration that has since evolved into a distinctive visual language—one that is original, sensual, sustainable, and deeply connected.

Jolanda's work delves into the inner world, expressed through large sculptures crafted from recycled materials. These sculptures symbolize a movement from the inside outward (mostly clouds) and Karen, on the other hand, captures and expands these worlds through photography and film, infusing them with surrealism and motion, reflecting the outer world within. Together, they create immersive experiences that engage all the senses, inviting viewers into a tangible and visual realm where art meets human connection.

Today, Cutting the Cake continues to push boundaries with their interactive art. Their latest project, the 1001 Dream Carpet, invites people to become part of the artwork itself. Designed with the purpose of fostering self-awareness and human connection, the Dream Carpet encourages participants to collaborate, reflect, and connect not just with others, but within themselves. This interactive approach to art allows individuals to become co-creators, bridging personal experiences through a shared artistic process.

Through this work, Jolanda and Karen aim to craft art that not only captivates visually, but also invites deeper emotional and personal engagement, creating moments of reflection and connection in an increasingly disconnected world.