Engelien Kooy

After graduating from the Vogue Fashion Academy, Kooij immediately enrolled in a commercial art program. It quickly became clear to her that this was her true passion. She first established herself as a freelance illustrator, taking on many portrait commissions, among other projects, and then, after several years of “dedicated motherhood,” made a dazzling comeback as a freelance artist. Drawing on an inexhaustible well of life experience and humor, she works daily in her studio in Amsterdam.

The Sensuality of the Curvy Woman Her subject matter often features busty women, frequently accompanied by cats and domestic settings. The cat, often a symbol of coziness, appears in her work primarily as the woman’s confidant: “The cat always knows more!” The composition is often arranged in such a way that it seems as if the canvas is too small. The scene, as it were, bursts out of its spatial confines. This creates a tension that is entirely in harmony with the work. The generous use of paint is also constantly in balance with the subject matter and the beautiful use of color. Form and content thus present themselves hand in hand to the viewer.

"Rendez-Vous" Nevertheless, her background in fashion still regularly comes into play in Kooij’s work in the form of beautiful patterns on curtains, rugs, and dresses. These visual elements, however, are not an end in themselves but serve to support the woman, who always takes center stage. And if your imagination hasn’t been sufficiently sparked yet, let yourself be swept away by the French titles such as: “Reflections,” “J’attends,” “La Paix,” and “L’Adieu.” In addition to paintings, Engelien Kooij’s screen prints are also available.