CAROLEIN SMIT
Carolein Smit
*1960 Amersfoort/Netherlands – lives in Zussen/Belgium
The ceramic sculptures of Carolein Smit are exclusively figurative, incredibly detailed, and covered with a shiny and colourful glaze. At first sight, her animal figures appear charming and cute. However, upon closer inspection of the details, such as the drops of blood or the posture that expresses strong feelings, one becomes suspicious and the work suddenly starts to evoke emotions. The ambivalence and irritation of what one feels accustomed to, something that seems normal and familiar, recurs in the artist’s works, which include human figures and hybrid creatures. Smit often elaborates on the traditional vanitas theme, with skulls and bones recurring frequently in her works.