Heidi Smit

to draw, to paint, printing (2D), Graffiti, Figurative, Design, crossover

My work is a reflection of the environment I live in: raw, dynamic and full of contrasts. I get my inspiration from the energy of Rotterdam, its street culture and the undeniable influence of the graffiti scene. I love to elevate the everyday and make something special out of simple moments by immortalizing them in art.
A recurring theme is the glorification of the 'edges' of society, often the underdogs in art and culture. Think of the elderly, rioters or loitering youth. In recent years this has resulted in the depiction of subversive personas that have often played a leading role in my figurative designs, paintings and murals. Under the pseudonym Tuig I have given them a face.
The contrast between the content of my work and the execution or form of the work often contributes to a humorous approach to the subject. It is an invitation to see the world through a different lens – one that celebrates both the rough edges and the free spirit of society.
An important motivation is to positively influence the way the viewer looks at the edges of society. This will create a broader support base for the diversity of society, without being pushy. Hopefully this contributes to the personal freedom of the viewer.
Through craft techniques such as painting, drawing, textile processing, tattooing etc. I want to capture the underdog of society in an art that is timeless. The craft enables me to create something lasting with care and dedication so that the essence of these people, their daily life and their struggle, is preserved for future generations.

**Flight** - Oil on paper, A4 2024 A broken flight, driven by the storm of destruction. The bird is wounded, but refuses to surrender to the flames that consume the world around it. Between the ashes and the fire it seeks a way out, while the past and the future come together in these moments of chaos. The flight itself becomes a symbol of survival, even as the horizon fades further and further.

**Frontal** - A charged moment of confrontation, embroidered in thread and silence. The outlines remain abstract, but the tension is palpable. The work leaves room for interpretation and invites reflection on position, power and presence. The embroidery technique reinforces the tension between the silhouettes and the police force — it immediately raises questions about power, confrontation, but also about visibility and anonymity.

**Revolt** - In my work I try to capture the raw energy of anti-authoritarian struggle and the elusive spirit of those operating on the fringes of society. The burning police car, a symbol of rebellion, is here immortalized in soft threads – a contrast between medium and message that emphasizes and provides a platform for the tension between power and resistance. In addition to being a form of expression, it is also a silent indictment of oppression, an ode to the disobedient, and a tangible reminder of the power of rebellion.

**bbq** - Oil and acrylic on canvas, 20x30cm Over the years I have explored many media as an artist by finding a contrast between subject and expression. The subject in this work is, as is often the case in my oeuvre, a struggle between authority and society. I often try to touch on this in a light-hearted tone, so that in this work too anarchy not only screams, but also smiles.

**Arrived** - Oil on paper, A4, 2024 A common theme in my work is exhibiting the underexposed edges of society. I prefer to create a contrast between the image and the medium or formal language. In this case I looked for an unconventional subject (car accident) a conventional medium (oil paint). The dystopia of an empty city gives the viewer the space to invent a story.

**Catfight** - A mural that initially radiates cheerfulness: playful pink cats with broad smiles, dancing and floating in a cloud of colors. But as is often the case with my work, there is a contrast between form and content. The airy style and cartoonish figures conceal a sharp edge – an anarchist undercurrent. The cats are armed, a scene that feels both innocent and threatening. This tension between playfulness and resistance makes the work layered: it draws you in with its vibrant colors and playful shapes, but leaves you with questions about power, rebellion and chaos. A subtle critique of authority and the boundaries between rebellion and humor. This work plays with expectations and shows that anarchy not only screams, but also smiles.

Kunstenaarsbal

Date: 06-02-2023 t/m 11-02-2023

Location: De Doelen

In association with: Straat museum

In the run-up to the artists' ball, a short exhibition of various artists took place during Rotterdam Art Week. The hall of the Doelen was transformed into a gallery where various works were shown.

This artist has no awards yet.