from the catalogue In my backyard, 2011:
The human figure is the theme in the figures and instalations by Mariette van der Ven. The human figure in all its facets and forms plays a leading role,and the dividing line between nomal and abnormal becomes precariously fine. The pieces confront the viewer with a strak reality: babies with physical deformities, mentally handicapped people with ludicrous headdresses, psychiatric patients, child soldiers, abused children, languishing elderly folk. Van der Ven does not choose to tackle simple themes for her confonttion with the viewer.
(text by Piet Augustijn, conservator of contemporary art Gorcums museum)