Petra Sluijters

Petra Sluijters is an Amsterdam based artist.
In addition she supports cultural organizations on various fronts and has her own hypnotherapy practice. Her focus is on mental health (especially with young adults), with the ambition to make well-being an integral part of the art world.

Her artwork combines (large) paintings with video art to create an immersive and emotional experience. Her work is intended to invite the viewer to reflect, break stigmas and encourage open dialogue.

Download an app on your smartphone and look with this app at here paintings.
In all Petra’s artworks there is an extra dimension, layer or twist. Nothing is what it seems at first. With these layers she wants to evoke an emotion that the viewer does not immediately experience at first glimpse.

1. Modern History (master's degree) at the University of Amsterdam (UvA).
2. Architectural engineer ( Bachelor's degree) at Hogeschool van Amsterdam (HvA).
3. Hypnotherapist at OMNI (www.OMNIhypnosis.net)

I’M BLUE

In September 2022 Petra fell down the stairs. From one moment to the next her life as she knew it stopped.
She had a successful practice as a Hypnotherapist, an exciting interim job as a programmer at the Melkweg Expo and, as a counselor at IVKO secondary school; she was able to assist young people in their development through life.

After here fall from 31steps, here body was literally blue all over. She battled her concussion for months. She was feeling more and more blue and found it difficult to accept that her quality of life had decreased by 50%.

Until she realized that this was an opportunity to start over and do what her heart longed for most. From then on she started painting for an hour every day, sometimes a little longer. And she felt better and better, step by step.
She also experienced that what she make’s is beautiful, interesting and good.

Although she is still recovering from the accident and totally blue about being an independent artist, she knows now that creating and painting is what she is supposed to be doing. And should have been doing all along

And that’s how this solo exhibition ‘I’m Blue’ came to life.

Download an app on your smartphone and look with this app, with your headphone on, at ...