The Space Between

Biography

Andra Daans is a Dutch-Surinamese artist whose work bridges heritage, memory, and human resilience. Born in Rotterdam and shaped by her mixed cultural background, she creates paintings that give voice to those too often overlooked.

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Her journey as an artist began in childhood, when drawing became a way to make sense of the world. After studying Textiles and Fashion at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague and continuing her education at the Free Academy of Fine Arts in Rome, she began exhibiting internationally — from Malta to Italy, the Netherlands to the United States. But beyond the exhibitions, what drives her work is a deeply personal story.

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Andra’s late great-grandmother, “Sasa,” was born into slavery in Suriname. At just nine years old, when slavery was abolished, she carried the scars of her childhood both physically and emotionally. Learning of Sasa’s story became a defining moment for Andra, igniting her lifelong commitment to telling the stories of children — children who, like Sasa, had no voice in the world around them.

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This is why Andra paints children. Rendered in grisaille, their monochrome presence emphasizes the stark contrast between their inner reality and the colorful, vibrant world surrounding them. The technique captures the silence of lives marked by struggle, while the backgrounds suggest the possibility of joy, hope, and resilience. “Children are our future,” she explains. “We need to protect and nurture them.”

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Her acclaimed series Portraits of Life is rooted in true stories, blending realism with symbolic depth. Each painting is an invitation to reflect on heritage, identity, and the complexity of personal narratives — while also challenging viewers to see beyond the surface and into the silent struggles of others.

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Today, after many years in Italy, Andra lives and works in France. Her paintings are held in private collections worldwide, valued for their ability to connect across cultures, spark empathy, and shed light on important historical and societal issues. Through her art, she seeks to bridge divides and remind us of our shared humanity.

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Art statement

As I possess a profound and enduring connection with my father, his passing in 2018 profoundly influenced my artistic endeavours. Through my research, I uncovered that my father's grandmother was born on a sugar plantation in Suriname. This revelation regarding my family's historical ties prompted a deep dive into the examination of this complex past.

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In my artistic pursuits, I endeavour to contemplate the lives of marginalised and underprivileged children, granting them nuanced identities while staying grounded in reality. Drawing inspiration from historical imagery and narratives, I seek to capture the innocence of these children, recognising that beneath their outward appearance of contentment, there lies a deeper reality of adversity and struggle.

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