Anansi Awakens Painting

Born in 1962 in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Andra Natascha Daans’ journey from dual worlds of business and art to becoming a full-time artist is one of profound transformation and rediscovery. With Dutch roots and Surinamese heritage, her work reflects a deep connection to her father’s cultural history and an evolving exploration of identity and humanity. Andra began her artistic path at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague before honing her craft at the Free Academy of Fine Arts in Rome. Her early career saw international acclaim with invitations to exhibit at the International Biennale in Malta (1987) and Rome (1988). For years, she balanced a business career in the Netherlands with her artistic pursuits in Italy, until 2016, when she fully embraced her artistic calling. In 2022, she exchanged Italy for France, where she currently lives and continues to refine her practice. Her distinct style—merging expressive portraiture with raw emotional storytelling—has captivated curators and collectors globally. Her work is featured in prestigious galleries and private collections worldwide, and she has been showcased in high-profile exhibitions across Europe and the United States, including Amsterdam, Detroit, and Chicago. In 2024, her powerful pieces are set to be part of Black History Month in Farmington Hills, MI, and Muses & Magic on Martha’s Vineyard, further solidifying her reputation as an artist of emotional depth and historical resonance. Andra’s “Portraits of Life” series confronts the complex intersections of history, identity, and resilience. The discovery of her family’s ties to slavery after her father’s passing in 2018 became a pivotal influence, inspiring a body of work that reveals the hidden stories of enslaved children. Her nuanced use of African patterns and cyclical motifs like curls infuses her paintings with a profound connection to heritage and the infinite nature of life. Each of her portraits tells a story—whether reflecting on a painful history, celebrating resilience, or highlighting the unspoken potential of children as the future of humanity. Andra’s process blends raw umber washes with expressive figures, creating a sense of unity between her subjects and their environments. Her work invites viewers to engage deeply, fostering empathy and reflecting the beauty and flaws of the human condition.