Penelope Van Hoorn

My work explores societal veils and how they affect the human condition.

There is a unifying underlying language in my work. The paint—its forms, colours and textures—seem to want to express something about the will of nature to make connections, to be brought to the surface and acknowledged. These works tempt the observer to consider the full picture removed from veils - to incite a desire to see it.

My creative process involves working over initial grounds, often applying several layers to guide the picture towards its final manifestation. As I start, each layer reveals or conceals, telling a story in fragments. These layers invite curiosity of what is hiding behind them. They are often bright, playful or just bursting through, waiting and wanting to be recognised. I think of them as meaningful interventions.

I like my work to feel like it is a moving story, organic and growing holding a feeling of naturalness.

Professionally, I have worked as a designer for many years and hold an MA in Design Studies from Central St Martins in London. I have exhibited in London and New York.

MA in Design Studies, Central St. Martins