It’s been almost a year since we last spoke with Anneloes Officier, a 31-year-old communication specialist from Amsterdam, author behind the widely popular “Tussen Kunst & Quarantaine" Instagram page. So we caught up with Anneloes again to see what she and her project have been up to this past crazy year.
“Tussen Kunst & Quarantaine exploded worldwide so I got in touch with so many lovely people from all over the world, experiencing somewhat the same situations. Being at home constantly, with or without partners and kids. It still is amazing to hear people find joy in this new way of enjoying art,” Anneloes told us.
However, the author confessed that “At one point it became a bit too much for me, with my work and constantly being on the same square ft. so at some point I took some time off. As much as it is a joy and an honor, it also kinda took its toll on me to be in touch 24/7 with people asking questions and such.”
Almost a year into the “Tussen Kunst & Quarantaine" project and Anneloes does it when she feels like it, “and I can keep using it as a positive and creative outlet. Now I am more at peace with (re)posting recreations at my own pace and keeping in touch with everyone all the time.”
When asked how the project has evolved, Anneloes said that she is still staying true to the original idea “because it was so pure and lighthearted.”
“My favorite part is when people get creative with stuff lying around the house.” So it is still recreating paintings with props from your home and not using Photoshop or an editing program. The rawness and realness is the strength of it all. People recognize themselves in a mood, a caption, or just love to see what the recreated painting is made of. It's just another way of experiencing art and expressing yourself with little means. Anyone can do it, everyone is welcome to join.”
However, what has changed is that Anneloes tries to “add the name of the painting and artist because people were asking for it a lot.” She also added the museum where the original is to be found, to support the art sector, “Because I just love how all the museums reacted to it worldwide and supported it.”
“I am also thinking of recreating some more myself because I haven't had the time or energy anymore, or adding a challenge to it to keep everyone entertained. But most of all I want to keep it light and fun for the people involved because it feels like an international art community. So I don't want it to get all commercial and stuff. I want to stay true to the origin. There's a reason why people still love it so much, so I am protective of its authenticity.”
Anneloes feels like she shares “this special bond with all the recreators who really became artists in my eyes. I've never gotten a sour response or negative comment and I think that is really exceptional for social media,” she said and added that “It is for sure keeping my spirits high when I see an amazing recreation or get a nice message. People thanking me for the positivity feels like I can bring a little sunshine into their lives. A unity through creativity.”
Anneloes also said that people keep asking her how to make money off it and turn it into a job, and she may do just that someday, but “I also want to keep it fun.” She made it clear it has never been the purpose to make money from this movement, so she wants to keep it pure and light on the account.
