Increasing visibility - Atelierroute Utrecht

C-wing, Wolvenplein, ready for visitors. (photo: Onno Brantjes, Kaiserphoto)

Making art is one thing. Sharing art with others is a completely different discipline. At least, that’s what I discovered in 2025. I began showing more of my work to people, with the highlight being the biennial Atelier Route in Utrecht.

Together with several other artists, we organized a route through the monumental building, the former prison Wolvenplein, where a number of us rent studio space. More than 300 visitors, and a few four-legged ones, walked past our works. An experience I will not soon forget.

Among my own works

For two days I sat together with my brother, a photographer, in the C-wing. I was literally surrounded by my own work: pieces of love and sorrow from the past few years. It felt incredibly vulnerable to be so open. At the same time, I was deeply touched by all the kind people who came by.

Family, friends, and acquaintances made the effort to visit. That was so special to experience. It felt grand, yet at the same time it made me feel very small.

Conversations that linger

The conversations with strangers were also meaningful. Many questions and curious people who wanted to know more about the process. And there were beautiful discussions about what can be seen in abstract paintings and what they might evoke.

Together with a man who experiences colours differently and his partner, we did a small experiment. What did each of us take from the paintings individually? How did light influence this? It was fascinating to notice how a single painting can open three completely different worlds for three different people.

Overstimulated and grateful

Fully present, taking in all the paintings on the Sunday before the doors opened (photo: Onno Brantjes, Kaiserphoto).

Even though I truly needed some time to recover from this experience, it has definitely left me wanting more. New plans and ideas are bubbling up, and I hope they will soon take on a concrete form.

Thanks to everyone who came, who took the time to look, to ask, and to support me. A special thanks my husband who helped building op the expositions and to my brother, who sat beside me for two days and shared this adventure with me.