Annique IJmker Verified listing

Themes of sexuality and identity have always drawn me in—they are deeply personal, yet resonate across cultures and experiences. At this stage in my practice, I'm still exploring the fundamental philosophical questions through my paintings: Who are we? What defines us? Where do we belong? Right now, my work is more about asking than answering. But over time, I hope to offer more nuanced, personal responses—using my art to delve deeper into these complex standpoints and articulate a visual language that reflects my evolving perspective.

One of the experiences that continues to shape me as an artist is my first solo exhibition. It took place at the Michelin-starred restaurant Apicius in the Netherlands—a truly inspiring collaboration with a team of creative and passionate people. For that show, I created a series titled Voor de Klanten (‘For the Customers’), which explored the world of hospitality and the complex, often unspoken dynamics between service and expectation, customer and worker. It was both a personal and observational project, and it deepened my interest in the narratives that unfold in everyday spaces.