Oltheten, Anna

“I firmly believe that if you have a talent, you must use and develop it to the best of your abilities. Because it is a gift you were born with, and it is your responsibility to take care of your talent and nurture it.”

Anna Oltheten (Voorschoten, 1951) was raised in an artistic family, and as a young child, she was already determined to become an artist.
She moved to Curaçao in 1973, but it was not until 1983 that she fully embraced the urge to develop herself as an artist. Lacking a good teacher in her proximity, she educates herself. Using instruction books and common sense, she explores and discovers the possibilities of painting and drawing.

Her first solo exhibit took place in 1989 at Gallery’86 and was opened by May Henriquez (1915-1999). The exhibition features Oil paintings, watercolors, and mixed media paintings. After that, Anna exhibits her work regularly in a group- and solo exhibitions. Anna is also a traveler; her journeys are an essential source of inspiration. She expresses her travel experiences to countries like Cuba, Surinam, and Africa through her art.

She paints not only with a brush but with her whole being, driven by an urge that comes from deep within, from her subconscious. Her work can be dark in color and subject, emanating intensity and commitment. Her work can also be vibrant, claiming attention and summoning uneasiness in the viewer. Yet, her brush stroke is gentle and composed, conveying the reassurance that no matter what, the artist is always in control.

2013: Text by Josée Thissen-Rojer. The above text may be reproduced only with reference to the source and author: Curaçao Art®️ www.curacao-art.com. Image rights of the artworks remain the property of the artist.

Click this link for Anna Oltheten in Landhuis Bloemhof (2015).

Click this link for ‘Anna Oltheten exhibits at Grote Berg’ (2012).