Exploring Feminine Experience Through Expressive Still Life

Interview with Maggie van Buiten

1. Please tell us something about your background and your art journey so far.

I think it’s fair to say that I’ve always been an art lover. I even bought my first “art work” at a beach souvenir shop when I was 5! I took art lessons through high school, but when it came down to it, I didn’t believe in myself enough to go to art school. I studied art history instead, which I love too! I’ve had a lot of “art world” jobs since then, but eventually I realized that I really did have a deep inner drive to use my creativity and so I enrolled in an art academy for painting. I haven’t looked back! I paint full time now.

2. Can you tell us more about the theme in your art and your inspiration?

My art revolves around feminine aesthetics in daily life. I use still life painting as a way to explore and process the sorts of memories and emotions that I think many girls and women experience throughout our lives, and also our coping strategies. Sometimes I tackle the topic through stereotypes, tasteless jokes, unsettling moods, or just plain kitsch girlieness. But it’s always about experiencing the world as a woman.

Even as a child, I was always keenly aware of the “male gaze.” Obviously in elementary school I didn’t know what it was called, but hearing men call me pretty or sweet always made me deeply uncomfortable. Maturing early didn’t help the matter, feeling objectified when labeled as “looking mature” or even “jail bait”; again without even consciously knowing what objectification was.

As an adult learning feminist theory has helped me to understand this objectification process. Feminism also helped me to understand women's defenses and the thick skins that we cultivate just to function in a deeply sexist society. However, being a mother has made me horrifyingly aware of just how young girls are when girls need to develop our first coping strategies!

Sweet Tits

Hearing how adults talk about elementary school girls floods me with the same rage and discomfort I experienced for the first time 30 years ago, and it is the fountainhead of my most personal series of paintings. I use dolls and other girlhood objects, combined with colored lights and unsettling compositions to bring attention to this kind of warped “coming of age” that girls go through. Being called a bitch for the first time, or that your dressed provocatively, just by wearing shorts… it’s seems small, but the emotional toll it takes is real. It’s a genuine loss of innocence.

Although these paintings stem from an inner struggle with memories and the processing of the very real anger I still have lingering from them, my art is really quite optimistic. My paintings show that the resilience of womanhood far outweighs the trauma. I acknowledge the absurdity of girlhood sexualization with a dark humor that allows for catharsis. Above all, I have painted this series for other women and girls who know this discomfort and to affirm their shared experiences. It’s important to know you’re not alone in it.

3. How does your art life impact other parts of your life?

I think having a creative mind impacts all parts of my life. It’s just how I’m wired.

But being an artist, and specifically a still life artist, has make me really curious about people’s inner worlds and their attachment to certain objects. I love to ask people about for example, a piece of jewlery that they always wear, or maybe a slightly out of style vase on their table. There’s almost always a story or nostalgia behind it. It starts a different type of conversation; it’s usually really revealing. I love that.

Bunny on Bunny

4. Tell us about your best experience in the art world so far.

Lately I’ve been participating more in artist led exhibitions rather than showing in traditional galleries. A big difference is that since there isn’t one person responsible for the space, artists take turns tending the exhibition. It’s been so rewarding to interact with visiters and hear and see their reactions to my work in real time.

One thing that has been really amazing is the amount of women who just “get” my work. They don’t need my artist statement or to read the titles, they just understand the duality, the humor, and the cynicism in my work. It’s also lead to some really meaningful conversations about experiencing sexism and objectification. I’m really greatful that my work resonates to that extent.

Obviously women are not a monolith and some get a bit more triggered, or are even angered by my paintings. But those reactions are just as valid, and the conversations with those women are also very valuable to me. Being vulnerable is difficult and seeing art that’s asking you to think about situations where you have experienced vulnerability and discomfort, can really call up big emotion. But I’m grateful that people stop to really look and are also willing to have some serious conversations about their experiences because of my work. It’s been humbling.

Prick

5. Share your worst experience in the art world.

I’m not a fan of being told my work should be less political if I want to make sales… like sorry guys, that’s not the point. I paint to deal with life, and right now, that’s political.

6. What practical advice can you give to fellow artists?

I think it’s important to stay curious. I truly believe that curiosity fuels creativity. Read a book that you don’t think you’ll like, visit a museum that’s not necessarily high on your priority list, things like that. Even if it’s something small, shaking up your daily routine and environment is healthy every now and then, especailly for artists.

Website: www.maggievanbuiten.nl

Instagram: @maggie_van_buiten