Tamar Dijkstra

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"My art explores the idea of luxury—why we desire it, how it can be both seductive and dangerous, and how it often masks the struggles of reality. Things like vacations, wealth, and indulgences are seen as sources of happiness, but they can also trap us in a cycle of always wanting more. Using Surrealism to create an almost unsettling, dream-like quality and Fauvism to evoke desire, I want my paintings to challenge the idea that luxury equals fulfillment.

A big inspiration for my work is my connection to travel, especially my family’s summer holidays in the Abel Tasman region, which hold so many memories for me. I’m also drawn to my Dutch heritage—while I’ve never lived in the Netherlands, I feel a strong cultural connection to its artistic history, particularly Van Gogh, who was introduced to me by my grandparents.

Henri Matisse and Louis Valtat inspired me with their bold colours and loose brushstrokes, while Jennifer Pochinski’s vibrant, unblended paint application influenced my use of non-representational colour. I also drew inspiration from Caroline Walker and Mairead O’Haocha, aiming to bring a fresh perspective to something I love by exploring its duality and making viewers think more deeply about what they see."