Cathalijn Wouters

Capturing the human condition 

Cathalijn Wouters (Tilburg, 1955) has established herself in contemporary art through her nuanced interplay of line, form and emotion. From an early age, Wouters developed an appreciation for human connection and introspection, themes that resonate deeply in her work today. Her artistic development began at the St. Joost Art Academy in Breda. In the fine arts she found her true calling, cultivating a unique style by which she shares her love for painting with the viewer in every work.

Wouters’ Amsterdam studio, a bright and sacred space in an attractive old school building, is the perfect setting for her artistic ethos and a wonderful breeding ground. Here, she engages in a dialogue with herself and her surroundings, capturing the essence of her subjects with a calligraphic grace. Her brush lines, described as refined calligraphy, reveal a profound elegance deeply rooted in her approach to art history. Wouters engages with the works of masters such as Louise Bourgeois and Henri Matisse through a sincere relationship with their legacy. 

Wouters' large-scale canvases offer a frank view into her inner world, blending tangible subjects with the intangible realms of feelings, thoughts, and longings. This duality is evident in artworks that show a woman gazing at an entangled couple, evoking both the longing for eroticism and the sensuality of form. This tension between visible reality and emotional depth can be seen as a hallmark of her artistry. Her oil paintings challenge the beholder to seek the stories behind the imagery. 

Wouters' process is as integral to her art as the finished product. With big gestures she combines physicality with respect for the materials she uses, leading to a dynamic quality. Creating, being obsessed with it, going on and arriving at new things, while playfully addressing the tactile properties of the oil painting medium.

A good example of this is the frequent use of collages on canvas. You immediately experience the artist's expressive gesture when you stand in front of her canvases. Her work reveals a search for essence and continues to captivate and inspire. In doing so, Wouters’ sophisticated oeuvre has proven to be a testament to resilience and evolution. As she states, “Always search for new dimensions within yourself. This is how you can set yourself free.”

In a world where people often seek instant gratification, Wouters’ dedication to thoughtful progress stand as a beacon of true artistry. Her work invites viewers not just to see but to feel, to experience the layers of human existence she captures on canvas. In addition to artist residencies in Paris and New York she enjoys growing interest from foreign galleries with exhibitions in New York, Shanghai, Frankfurt, Ghent and Amsterdam.

Wouters: “Capturing the human condition is a never-ending journey.”