St. Jozef Glas-in-loodpanelen

St. Jozef Glas-in-loodpanelen (St. Joseph Stained Glass Panels, 2009) by Berend Strik transforms the imagery of sacred architecture — specifically stained glass windows depicting St. Joseph — through his signature stitched photography technique.

Strik frequently engages with religious and spiritual imagery, transforming formal church art into intimate, layered compositions. The stained glass window — with its interplay of light, color, and narrative imagery — becomes a perfect subject for his approach of adding physical layers to photographic surfaces.

As described in the art historical literature: "By covering specific areas, creating holes, or sewing on fabric fragments, Strik emphasizes certain details while concealing others, thereby adding a tactile, physical dimension to the otherwise flat photographic medium." The translucent quality of stained glass is echoed in Strik's use of tulle and organza — materials that play with light in similar ways.

The religious subject connects to broader themes in Strik's work: the body, memory, domesticity, and the sacred dimensions of everyday life. St. Joseph — traditionally depicted as a carpenter and guardian — also resonates with themes of making and crafting.

Sources: Wikipedia · Grokipedia