This year, Affordable Art Fair Amsterdam (31 October – 3 November, de Kromhouthal) is proud to introduce our first ever Ambassador Artist, Loes van Delft, whose character-filled artworks have become increasingly popular with contemporary art collectors.

In her role as Ambassador Artist, Loes will be filling the fair with dynamic special projects, including an unmissable entranceway to greet fair visitors.

We caught up with Loes to find out more about her life and work…

MEET THE ARTIST: LOES VAN DELFT

What does a typical day in your studio look like?

One of the great things about being an artist is that I can wake up whenever I like (unless I’m very busy lastminute preparing for an exhibition) and I like to take the time to have breakfast with my cat before getting into the studio. My process in the studio changes depending what feels good that day. Sometimes I’ll work on 3 canvases at the same time, other days I’ll focus on one and sometimes I’ll be on the computer researching. I’m not a planner, I just go with the flow.

How would you describe your style?

While it’s easy to confuse my work with urban and street art, I would describe it as ‘cartoon pop art’ as it’s always been based around characters and bright colours.

I’m a huge fan of Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat, but I also find inspiration from great animation houses like Disney and Warner Brothers, and classic video games like Super Mario. It’s all there to see in my work!

Would you say that your art reflects your life experiences?

Yes, absolutely! I paint how I’m feeling. When I’m in a sad place, I’ll use less vibrant colours than I would normally. Similarly, when I’m in love, I’m painting loads of hearts and lots of birds. Maybe it’s not so obvious to everyone else but I see my mood at the time in the colours and the vibe of the canvas.

What do you hope to communicate through your art?

I think that happiness is the most powerful weapon in my art. I recently got a message from a collector of my work and he said, ‘You know this painting has been hanging in my house for over a year now and still when I look at it, it just makes me happy.’ Such an amazing compliment to receive.

My art doesn’t have a deep underlying meaning which comes out after you stare at it for hours. It doesn’t have a big story already, but it has a feeling in it and it’s up to the viewer to come up with their own story that means something to them.

Is it important to you, that people are aware of the feelings behind your works?

No, for me the most beautiful characteristic of art is that is shows us how differently we all perceive the world. The expression of ‘Pjipje’ (the recurrent character in Loes’ work) in a painting could look angry and upset to me but others read him as looking determined and focused. That’s the most magical thing about art in my eyes!

What can we expect to see from you at Affordable Art Fair Amsterdam?

It’s a surprise – you’ll have to come to find out! What I can say is that I’ll be making lots of new work for the fair, including a limited-edition print which is only available for purchase at the fair. It will all have a happy vibe because I’m in an amazing place in my life right now and I’m so excited to be a part of the fair!

And we’re so excited to see your installations at the fair Loes! To snap up your ticket to Affordable Art Fair Amsterdam (31 October – 3 November, de Kromhouthal) follow the link below. Plus, don’t forget to follow our Instagram channel to be the first to receive announcements on art previews and what’s on at the fair.

Main Image:
Loes van Delft, We Sin Like Devils Oh Lord Forgive Us, 2018, acrylic and graffiti on Flemish Linen, 140 x 220 cm.

Featured art from first to last:
Loes van Delft with one of her ‘cartoon pop art’ paintings.
Loes van Delft, Campbells, 2018, acrylic on wood, 100 x 140 cm.
Loes van Deflt, I Just Can’t Stop Loving U, 2017, acrylic on Flemish Linen, 100 x 100 cm.
Artist Loes van Delft, Ambassador Artist for Affordable Art Fair Amsterdam, 2019.