Ellen Holleman | Art Queens Society

Ellen Holleman is a multidisciplinary artist based in the Netherlands, where she trained as a spatial designer at the Utrecht School of the Arts. Her diverse background in urban design and her love of traditional oil painting techniques come together in her creative practice, as she seamlessly integrates the two in her work. Holleman’s art is a reflection of her experiences, thoughts, and emotions. She enjoys experimenting and pushing the boundaries of traditional painting techniques by incorporating contemporary elements like digital collage and photography into her work. In 2013, Holleman was invited as an artist in residence at 'tHuisbasis' in Zaanstad, in collaboration with UK-based artist Sarah Spanton. From 2014 through 2017, Holleman served as the creative director of the IFIKZ cultural festival, where she was responsible for building and directing an installation that travelled along the river Zaan. The installation served as a backdrop for a series of storytelling events.In 2020, Holleman decided to focus on on restarting a professional painting practice, shifting her career from the urban design field towards the arts. In 2021, one of her pieces was selected for a group show in the St. Maartens basilica in Zaltbommel, and she had her first solo exhibition at the cultural centre De Poorterij. In 2022, Holleman's works were featured in a number of exhibitions and shows, including an augmented reality pavilion with ArtInside Gallery and an online solo exhibition. Her works were also published in issue #5 of The Huts Magazine and were featured in Cista Art Gallery’s ‘Life as a Poem’ group exhibition. In September of that year, Holleman had her second solo exhibition at De Poorterij and participated in the 5th edition of the International Artes Exhibition in Turin, Italy, where she was awarded third prize in the figurative paintings section.

Painting, to me, is like magic. To visualize and recreate scenes using only shades and colours never ceases to amaze me. I see the world through a ‘paint filter’, always wondering how to translate the world I see around me onto canvas.The people, places, and moments that make up the urban landscape are my greatest source of inspiration. My work is a reflection of my passion for exploring the world and capturing the complexity of the human experience. Each of my paintings is an invitation to step into the moment and experience it fully. I strive to bring the viewer into the scene, to make them feel like they are there, and to create a lasting impression. In my work, I draw upon the techniques of the old Dutch Masters, known for their masterful use of light and colour. By layering transparent colours over a white gesso base, I create a sense of depth and richness that brings my paintings to life. This traditional method, combined with my modern perspective, adds a timeless quality to my work and pays homage to the legacy of the Dutch Masters.

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