Chantal Elisabeth Ariëns (b. 1968 Heerlen, the Netherlands) is an Amsterdam based artist.
Educated at the ballet academy in Tilburg. Worked as a dancer, photo model and started assisting photographers.
At the age of 30 she started working as a photographer herself and works for International Magazines such as MarieClaire, Red and Cosmopolitan. From 2017, in addition to commissioned work, she focuses on personal work.
At the beginning of 2020 she starts a collaboration with Kahmann Gallery in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. In October 2022 she starts a collaboration with Ira Stehmann Fine Art in Munich, Germany.
The inspiration for Chantal's projects stems from a need for craftsmanship and works from the subconsciousness, a state of emptiness. These images arise by giving space to emotion and exploring where the connection lies between emotion and memory. Emotions and memories stored in the subconsciousness.
With the Photopolymer Etching technic she goes back to basics. The process of the old technic is intensive, but produces prints with depth.
Artist statement
Motion and stillness, capturing the transient, letting go of movement – apparent contradictions which go hand in hand so evidently to me.
Not the image, but rather the memory of it is what nurtures me.
The invisible turmoil of the soul.
Catching the intangible.
I work seemingly without a plan, without restrictions.
The framework is set only by the technique: photography combined with traditional etching and printing.
The devotion this craftsmanship requires of me leads to the velvety appearance.
Light is deeply meaningful in my work.
It could not exist but for the play between black and white, shades and nuances.
We want to capture, to keep. In fact, letting go is what brings out the most intimate images.
“So the darkness shall be the light. And the stillness the dancing.” T.S. Elliott
Amsterdam, november 2018
Photopolymer Etching
I strongly felt the need to create with my own hands, something tangible into which i could put my soul. Therefore, I went in search of a craft technique that allowed me to do so. This search lead me to the photopolymer etching technic. I first transfer my image onto a solar plate, which results in a new negative. This new negative enables me to print in a traditional way. I love the structure, smell, countless shades of black and the handcrafting process.
The dedication this craftsmanship requires of me, leads to the velvety appearance of my work.
Chantal Elisabeth Ariëns (b. 1968 Heerlen, the Netherlands) is an Amsterdam based artist.
Educated at the ballet academy in Tilburg. Worked as a dancer, photo model and started assisting photographers.
At the age of 30 she started working as a photographer herself and works for International Magazines such as MarieClaire, Red and Cosmopolitan. From 2017, in addition to commissioned work, she focuses on personal work.
At the beginning of 2020 she starts a collaboration with Kahmann Gallery in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. In October 2022 she starts a collaboration with Ira Stehmann Fine Art in Munich, Germany.
The inspiration for Chantal's projects stems from a need for craftsmanship and works from the subconsciousness, a state of emptiness. These images arise by giving space to emotion and exploring where the connection lies between emotion and memory. Emotions and memories stored in the subconsciousness.
With the Photopolymer Etching technic she goes back to basics. The process of the old technic is intensive, but produces prints with depth.
Artist statement
Motion and stillness, capturing the transient, letting go of movement – apparent contradictions which go hand in hand so evidently to me.
Not the image, but rather the memory of it is what nurtures me.
The invisible turmoil of the soul.
Catching the intangible.
I work seemingly without a plan, without restrictions.
The framework is set only by the technique: photography combined with traditional etching and printing.
The devotion this craftsmanship requires of me leads to the velvety appearance.
Light is deeply meaningful in my work.
It could not exist but for the play between black and white, shades and nuances.
We want to capture, to keep. In fact, letting go is what brings out the most intimate images.
“So the darkness shall be the light. And the stillness the dancing.” T.S. Elliott
Amsterdam, november 2018
Photopolymer Etching
I strongly felt the need to create with my own hands, something tangible into which i could put my soul. Therefore, I went in search of a craft technique that allowed me to do so. This search lead me to the photopolymer etching technic. I first transfer my image onto a solar plate, which results in a new negative. This new negative enables me to print in a traditional way. I love the structure, smell, countless shades of black and the handcrafting process.
The dedication this craftsmanship requires of me, leads to the velvety appearance of my work.