rolina nell

The works from this series and some from the Maandag Wasdag series (Monday Laundry Day series) are on display at MAAN gallery in Kortgene from August 11 through October 15, 2023.

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Regional dress as an expression of identity

The recent paintings Rolina Nell presents at MAAN gallery are inspired by regional costumes from Zeeland.

Using old photographs, Rolina paints women in regional costume, isolated from their everyday surroundings. By using egg-tempera in transparent layers, and a sober use of colour, the atmosphere of days gone by is created. Sometimes the clothes seem to stand on their own, as if the wearer herself has disappeared. It is a subtle play of attendance and absence. The sharp contours of defined areas within which structures and carefully applied brushstrokes are visible suggest a restriction of movement. By adding delicate details, accessories, jewellery, stitching and patterns in garments, Rolina zooms in on the strictly individual and personal. While painting, she lets her fancy and unrestrained imagination about the woman emerging from the paint.