Artist Bio

Astrid Vlasman is a visual artist from Leiden. She works a lot on large canvases and covers them with torn paper. These papers are applied layer by layer and some parts are painted with transparent oil paint. The bottom layers therefore remain visible. The layering of various types of paper of different thickness ensures a paper “skin”. She stains the pieces of paper with a bookbinder glue and a palette knife and fixes them. “I like the liveliness of paper, the function it has had as a vegetable bag, tea bag or wrapping paper for shoes, for example. I use school tests that my children leave behind, tax envelopes, gift wrap, pattern paper; all daily material that passes through our fingers. The volatility of old paper is cherished and embedded by me and appreciated as a means of expression with which I shape my work.” 

Exhibition Essay

This series has emerged in recent years. Somehow I keep wanting to make the women again and again. In addition, I often make interiors where no people can be seen , but the female figure regularly returns. It is, of course, very close to myself and in my work. I always stay very close to myself. What I like most about the women is to portray them as strong women despite their vulnerability. Despite their awkwardness and clumsiness, I find them all-powerful. They dare to show that uneasiness. They are very own and unique. I also really enjoy working on it. To really show the women. I also like to show the girlishness that they claim their presence on the canvas. There is still the girl in every woman, and I try to show that to bring out the girl more. That’s why I often use girly accessories like a hairpin, brooch, or dress. The girl can also often be seen in poses.

Editor’s Note

A big thank you for the support we have received so far. This is the first solo show exhibit hosted and sponsored by Arts to Hearts Project.

I am truly grateful to my beautiful community for making what Arts To Hearts is today.

If you like this exhibit and what we do please don’t forget to share this and help us spread the word.It will truly mean a lot to us and help us reach a wider audience.

Until, we meet again.
Sending my best to you always x

• Charuka Arora, Founder Arts To Hearts Project

What is BEHIND THE SKIN about?

Hear Astrid talk about it !