Anneke Kaai

Anneke Kaai

Bio

In 1951 I was born in a Christian family in Naarden, the Netherlands. At an early age I already loved to draw. After secondary school I studied at the classical Academy of Visual Arts in Het Gooi, the Netherlands. I continued my studies at the modern Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam. After my studies I preferred to work independently instead of on commission. I wanted to express what engaged me in my walk with God. In this way the following series came into being: Creation (16), Apocalypse (24), Decalogue (12), Creed (12), Psalms (25), Bible words (23), Relationships with God (22), Women in the Bible (30).

Material, technique, style

While at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy I had to search for new materials and techniques. The old familiar techniques were no longer acceptable. In the course of time I have started to use plexiglass as a basis for my paintings. I was and still am fascinated by the possibilities of this material. The style of my work is symbolic abstract except for the series of Revelation and Women in the Bible. Behind the abstractions hides a symbolic reality that endows colours, forms and lines with a deeper meaning.

Worldview

I depend in my work on my Source of Inspiration. I hope to touch people with my paintings, so that they may play a part in giving visibility to God’s Kingdom. During my studies in Amsterdam (end of the ‘60’s, beginning of the ‘70’s) God was perceived as dead in the student world. In response to that I developed a strong desire to express my relationship to the living God in my paintings. This is what drives my work to this very day.

1. The Apocalypse series is now for sale again. This figurative series consists of 24 works depicting the visions of the apostle John. They are painted on silk with oil in combination with other materials. The visions are rendered in a moving way, so that they may bring this complicated bible book closer to the viewer. Dimensions: 60 x 80 cm.

Alpha and Omega, 1989

A door opened in heaven

The sealed scroll and the Lamb

2. The Creed: This series portrays the Apostolic Confession of Faith. The twelve works give expression to the power of this very old Confession. The colours are symbolic and also the structure of the paint plays an important part. Technique: oil on plexiglass, 70 x 100 cm.