In preparation for the Lewes Speakers Event, taking place from the 20th-23rd of January, we interviewed contemporary artist Anniek Verholt. A talented creator, that draws inspiration from their psychological learnings to create their art pieces, and places heavy focus on the relationship between the viewer and the painting itself. Anniek has both hosted and been part of many exhibitions, taking place across the world: From Athens to London, Hong Kong to her home country of The Netherlands, and of course Brighton.
Every artist/creative goes through periods where inspiration is lacking, how do you overcome creative droughts?
Yes, that’s true. For me, my creative output depends on my energy levels, how present I can be but also how strongly I feel about the project I’m working on. When I’m not feeling it, I have learned to stop and accept that it’s not the right time to create, however long this may need to be. In the meantime I focus on other aspects of my art practice such as archiving my work, research, meeting other artists, getting out of the studio, visiting exhibitions and connecting with interesting people or causes.
How does your art reflect issues you feel strongly about?
I have a background in art therapy (BA ‘00 Leiden, Netherlands) and a continued interest in psychology which I cannot really escape from when creating or looking at art. When I paint, I mainly explore themes through the lens of abstraction – to me there’s always a driving curiosity for the unique way we perceive art (the beholder’s share). In this way art pieces become subjects for reflection, discussion and perhaps raise new questions and aspects for further research.
My more conceptual projects tend to have a clearer narrative or theme. For example my upcoming video installation ‘Breathe’ which will be screened for the first time on Blue Monday, 16 January at My Brighton Hotel. It’s based around a monochrome blue painting I created in the studio in 2022 which has been animated to gently move along in line with a breath cycle which is known to help ease stress and anxiety. It is projected on an outside wall and my hope is that it can reach a wider audience, including those that wouldn’t necessarily visit a gallery or join a wellness programme.
I’m not an artist myself but I’ve always been inspired by Dali and Hieronymus Bosch in my own creative outlets. Which artists particularly inspire you?
There are many artists that have inspired me over the years but to name a few: Joan Mitchel, Mark Rothko, Andy Goldsworthy, Bertil Vallien, Julie Mehretu, Marina Abramović.
As an artist that focuses on the viewer, has anyone ever interpreted your work in a way that has surprised you? If so, what was it?
Oh, absolutely! The great part of hosting an Open House during the Brighton Open House season is the opportunity to have conversations with visitors. I love hearing the first impressions and interpretations people make when looking at my fully abstract paintings, especially from children! It has included landscapes, figures, monsters and lots more.
Do you have any other creative outlets beyond art?
When I have time, I enjoy cooking.
Have any other creative modes such as music or literature inspired your work?
I love listening to jazz and experimental music, and seeing dance and theatre performances. I think listening to music in the studio does often help me to get into a creative flow.
Would you say your own mental health is in some way reflected in your work?
Particularly when it comes to my abstract paintings, I believe my state of mind influences but is also reflected in my work. It may come out in the choice of colour, the complexity of the composition or the pace with which I paint and meet the canvas.
What’s your opinion of Brighton?
I moved down here from London nearly 7 years ago and still love it. I really value Brighton’s community spirit and I’ve got an incredible group of friends down here. And then there’s the sea, the moments of meditation on the beach or walks along the cliffs. What a great place to live and be creative!
The Lewes Speakers festival will be taking place in just four days, at The All Saints Centre in Lewes, and in addition to Verholt’s art, features a fantastic array of talks from multiple published author’s. Essentially Lewes version of TED Talks. You’ll find biting Political Satires, explorations into modern Forensics, Historical analysis of Downton Abbey, Fascinating account’s of current Dictator’s Regimes and heart wrenching stories of the victims of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, with even more incredible speaker’s present throughout the event. You can still buy tickets on their website Here. It’s certainly an event not to miss.
