Romy Vanden

I create work to communicate with people in order to tell them; I see you. I make paintings and ceramic art that explores relationship dynamics through the lens of animals in both domestic and wild settings. My paintings are made out of bursts of creative energy and passion, being painted or sculpted very quickly. I later return to these pieces and refine the details, which create delicate sweet spots. I love texture, both visual and tactile, and I incorporate both in my paintings and ceramics to create a sensorial experience of touch.

Red foxes serve as the main symbol in my work. I use the dynamics of their playfulness, protectiveness, and even hostility to create a narrative vessel for the human experience. Animals such as deer, snakes and birds often accompany this symbol, and together act out dynamic relationships that create their own mythology. While some of my pieces are quite intense and raw, there is a layer of uncertainty when interpreting the work. I am fascinated by audience interpretation and playing with ambiguity and how they react to these narratives.