Untitled (Ontw) Painting

Oprah Winfrey once said: "We are more alike than we are different." And she might be right. Our appearances may be different from each other, but inside we are all familiar with a longing for love, safety and security, and we are often confronted with feelings of fear, anger and uncertainty. With this in mind I painted the human being in its purest form: vulnerable, naked and bare, hoping that this could create more understanding and equality among people. In 2011 I had to admit that my message was incomplete. We are indeed equal to each other, but not the same. And that’s a good thing. Because it’s the difference in interests, talents, needs and desires that makes us valuable. That’s why my artwork started to change in 2012. The human figures are no longer that anonymous. They became unique. They dare to dream and to be in the moment.