A Heart's Last Beat. (At the human zoo), 2023

Andra Daans  

Artist Statement:

I am a Dutch artist living in France, shaped by the rich tapestry of my mixed Dutch and Surinamese heritage. Growing up, I was captivated by the visual arts and experimented across mediums before finding my true voice in oil painting. My journey in art led me to study at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague and the Free Academy of Fine Arts in Rome, experiences that deepened my artistic expression and strengthened my connection to my multicultural roots.

I work exclusively with oil on linen, and my style has evolved over time, beginning with the classical technique of grisaille—painting in shades of gray—before incorporating a raw umber wash in my more recent works. This shift allows me to blend my subjects with their surroundings, creating a subtle yet profound emotional impact, as though they are intimately connected with the world around them. My work often features African patterns and motifs inspired by my heritage and personal experiences, particularly the curls reminiscent of Gustav Klimt, symbolizing life's infinite and cyclical nature. These patterns and symbols are an expression of my identity and serve as a bridge between my personal history and broader cultural themes.

My primary focus as an artist is on children. They represent our future, yet their voices are often overlooked. Through my art, I strive to highlight their inherent dignity and resilience, using each piece to tell a story that resonates with universal themes of humanity and compassion. I aim to evoke a sense of responsibility in viewers—to see and value the innocence and potential in every child and to reflect on the role we all play in shaping a world where they can thrive.

In my recent works, I delve into historical narratives and cultural icons, like "Whispers of a Hidden Symphony," portraying Joseph Boulogne, and "A Heart's Last Beat," capturing the sorrowful dignity of Ota Benga's life. These pieces honor resilience against adversity and underscore the importance of compassion and understanding in our collective past and present.

I am driven by the belief that art should reflect both the beauty and flaws of society. My works invite viewers to engage emotionally and intellectually, to connect with the stories and reflect on our shared humanity. Each title I choose adds another layer, offering a hint but never a full explanation, like a brushstroke that complements the painting without overshadowing its mystery.

Ultimately, my art is an invitation—a call to experience, to feel, and to remember. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to embrace inclusivity, compassion, and the interconnectedness of humanity, carrying forward a message of resilience and unity.

Education:

Royal Academy of Art in The Hague (2 years - Fashion/ monumental) 
Free Academy of Fine Arts in Rome ( 4 years - Nude)

Awards & Distinctions:

Luxembourg Art Price 2021 - certificate 
Luxembourg Art Price 2022- certificate

Exhibitions:

October 2024 - Fall Salon - Amsterdam -NL
August 2024 - Muses & Magic on Munroe - Martha's Vineyard - USA
February 2024 - Black history Month - Farmington Hills, MI - USA
August 2023 - Solo " I Am and Pain of Slavery Project - Detroit - USA
August 2023 - Solo " I Am and Pain of Slavery Project - Chicago - USA
June 2023 - Pain of Slavery Project - Rotterdam - NL
September 2022 - Art on the Move - Chicago - USA
July 2022- The Grand BLV Art Stroll -Detroit - USA
June 2022 - Juneteenth - Detroit - USA
October 2021 - Brabant art fair - Breda - NL

Artistic Influences:

My style is profoundly influenced by artists like Bisa Butler and Gustav Klimt, both of whom bring rich textures and symbolism to their portrayals of human life. Butler's use of vibrant African textiles to tell both personal and collective stories inspires my own use of African patterns to honor heritage and convey universal narratives. Klimt's intricate details and symbolic curls, which represent life's cyclical nature, resonate deeply with me. I incorporate these elements into my work, blending my subjects with their environments to symbolize interconnectedness.

I'm drawn to aspects of Symbolism and Expressionism, both of which emphasize emotion, narrative, and unseen truths. Symbolism's exploration of the spiritual and Expressionism's bold depiction of inner emotion inspire my commitment to portraying dignity and resilience, especially in my portraits of children.

Classical influences from Renaissance and Baroque techniques also shape my work, particularly through the use of light, shadow, and depth to create emotional resonance. By merging these historical influences with contemporary themes, I strive to create art that bridges past and present, fostering empathy and celebrating our shared humanity.