Cécile Verwaaijen (b. 1968, Silvolde) grew up in her mother’s fabric shop. This environment engendered a fascination with textiles, both fabrics and patterns, and this is reflected in her art.
For many years, Verwaaijen painted portraits of herself and the people she knew, often against a background with complex patterns. References to stylistic features typical of the Flemish primitives and Dutch old master paintings – in the lighting, composition, the poses or the rendering of fabrics – are combined with meticulously detailed patterns featuring arabesques, Kashmir motifs and tile patterns. Her choice of models highlights the multicultural society, as in this portrait of Deniz, a Dutch-Moroccan boy. Her blend of different cultures is an artistic plea for us to consider and respect each other, whatever our backgrounds.
Cécile Verwaaijen, Boy with Red Fruit (2006) | pastels | object number: G02816