"Enigma" is Karien Bredenkamp’s debut collection of 56 surrealist illustrations and poems that delve into themes of intimate love, identity, integrity, and the longing for an authentic life. Through integrating symbolic illustrations and poetry, she activates the subconscious mind to take you on a journey into the deepest parts of the human soul.
More than just a poetry book, "Enigma" is a voyage that will challenge you to embrace your own authenticity and core identity. After years of suppressing her true self, Karien embarked on a quest of integrity through poetic & artistic self-expression in order to shed all false personas she had adopted over the years. She captures this never-ending process in "Enigma", where she invites you to embark on your own whimsical journey of self-discovery.
The art is beautiful it draws you in as does the poetry. I had never heard of ekphrastic response previously. It is deeply engaging. She encourages you to engage with her art and imagine your own interpretations and share with her. This book is more than art. It invites you to look deeply into yourself. I'm excited to own it.
What Bredenkamp has done here is truly remarkable. Both illustrator and poet, they have created a work of art that allows the two expressions to coexist as a singular thing, but far more than anything singular. It is multifaceted, in balance with itself, while still offering the reader room for subjectivity and interpretation. Like any great art, it achieves this flawlessly. I cannot wait to see more from this amazing artist.
Such a marvelous book. I love to sometimes read the poem first and then look at the drawing, and sometimes vice-versa. Either way, it's a delight. The symbols could be used to help tease out things floating under the surface of your conscious mind.
Karien has created a beautiful compilation of her incredible artwork coupled with deep and thoght-provoking poetry. Her talents and passion are a gift to all who engage with her work!
As I have looked at the pictures Karien drew, the poem beside it seems to tell some of the story she is getting across in the book. I bought 2 other books for my son and daughter, so they and their family can enjoy it, too.