Celeste Versluijs (1984)

In the beginning of 2001 we got a hand written letter from a Celeste Versluis in which she expressed her desire to join Atelier Herenplaats as an artist. She impressed us during our first meeting by the clear way in which she could explain her motivation. She had an ambition to become a real artist, just like her uncle. Nothing else would do. In 2002 we were able to offer her an apprenticeship and since September 2002 she is a full time artist at Herenplaats.

When asked about her work Celeste says: ‘I draw many people and use various drawing materials and sometimes paint. I like drawing because it gives me an opportunity to be myself and it gives me a sense of tranquillity. You can read in the colours I use whether I’m angry or happy, stressed or calm. When I’m calm I tend to use light colours and when I’m preoccupied more strong colours. I like to draw naked people, specially women and families. I use black for men’s hair and light brown or yellow for women’s. The eyes are mostly blue, but sometimes also brown.’ Celeste’s work revolves around the human figure. She also has her own way of looking at people: ‘everyone is different and unique, so that nobody is ugly. A person’s inner world is just as important as their looks and you can only find out about that aspect by speaking with them.’ Celeste is very often inspired by her daily surroundings and activities.

Celeste’s drawings and paintings can also have a cryptic edge to them; a group of roaming pregnant women or a naked man with a dog in his hands. The world she portrays is clearly in motion and very much seen through her eyes. In her self-portraits she shows us how different voices in her head direct her towards alternative realities. A portrait with lightning expresses her restlessness.
Celeste is a very articulate artist and she often surprises us by her insights. ‘It’s not interesting to draw the reality as it is. It’s already been done before’ she says. Celeste is always on the lookout for new challenges.

Since 2010 Celeste versluis is not working any longer on Gallery Herenplaats

Exhibitions

2004  “Keuze uit Eigen Werk”, Gallery Herenplaats, Rotterdam

2004  “Cash & Carry”, Gallery Herenplaats, Rotterdam

2005  “De Vlaamse Reus”, Gallery Herenplaats, Rotterdam

2006  Jubilee exhibition, “15 years Herenplaats”, Gallery Herenplaats Rotterdam

2006  “Beasts”, New York, USA

2007  “Heroes”, Group exhibition, Gallery Herenplaats, Rotterdam

2007  “Who Am I # 3”. Gallery Herenplaats, Rotterdam

2009  “Who Am I # 4”. Gallery Herenplaats, Rotterdam

2010  “Outsider Art Salon”, Gallery Herenplaats, Rotterdam

2011  Novo, Groningen

2011  Kunstroute, Hoek van Holland

2011  “Museum of Everything 4”, Londen, U.K.

Catalogue

2009  Who Am I # 4, graphic exhibition