#ofwhichiam explores the development and significance of cultural heritage on an individual level. Through art, we can examine the history of our roots and understand how it influences our way of life, passed down through generations via practices, beliefs, traditions, and artistic expressions. By gaining a deeper understanding of ourselves and our culture, we can better connect with individuals from different backgrounds. Enhancing cultural awareness can help dismantle barriers, foster connections, and ultimately lead to peace. Nina invites all artists to participate by tagging their heritage-related work with #ofwhichiam, creating a place of acceptance where everyone's story is worth sharing.
Aaltje Brouwer 2024
Acrylic on Canvas
30 x 40 inches (76.2 x 101.6 cm)
Aaltje Brouwer was born in 1821 in Leeuwarden, a city in the northern part of Holland, which is a province in the Netherlands. She faced significant hardships from a young age; her mother passed away when Aaltje was just eleven years old, and her father was repeatedly imprisoned for vagrancy, leaving her to fend for herself. Aaltje's experiences were reflective of many women convicted of vagrancy in 19th-century Netherlands. Vagrant women often lived in urban areas, had weak social networks, and lacked the option of living with family. Aaltje's story is one of survival and endurance. This painting serves as an ode to her and to all those who fight against adversity
Journey of a Thousand Miles 2025
Acrylic on Canvas
30 x 40 inches (76.2 x 101.6 cm)
A young woman takes a moment to pause and reflect on her experiences before embarking on her future. The tree-lined avenue (“Laantje”) depicted in the painting is inspired by a real place from the artist’s past, evoking memories of her youth in the Netherlands. The trees symbolize the various events that shape a lifetime. This painting is a message to her young self and reflects on the journey of life.
Zeeuws Meisje 2024
Acrylic on Tiles
40 x 24 inches (101.6 x 60.96 cm)
Zeeuws Meisje, or "Girl from Zeeland," was a traditional farmer’s daughter in the 1800s who later became the face of one of the oldest margarine brands in the world. She evolved into a brand herself. But why is this significant? There is more to Zeeuws Meisje than meets the eye. A Zeeuw is a person from Zeeland, a province in the southwest of the Netherlands. People from Zeeland are known as "rechtdoorzee," which translates to "straight through the sea." This term signifies straightforward, outspoken individuals who also possess traits like stubbornness, endearment, steadfastness, loyalty, and pride. This research led me to realize that these traits are not exclusively Zeeland characteristics. In fact, Zeelanders might be a reflection of the broader Dutch population, as I have noticed similar qualities in every Dutch person I know. Therefore, Zeeuws Meisje is not just a brand; she is a Dutch icon. In this painting, you can see Zeeuws Meisje pressing her face against a plane of Delft Blue tiles that symbolize Dutch heritage. She leans into her roots, listening and learning from them.
Je Maintiendrai 2024
Acrylic on Canvas
72 x 120 inches (182.88 x 304.80 cm)
15 Pieces 24 x 24 inches (60.96 x 60.96 cm)
‘Je Maintiendrai’ (I will maintain) has been the motto of the House of Orange-Nassau since the time of William of Orange. He adopted the coat of arms of his cousin René de Chalon.
In a letter of January 1565, Prince William of Orange explained the significance of the motto:
Je maintiendrai la vertu et noblesse. (I will maintain virtue and nobility.
Je maintiendrai de mon nom la haultesse. (I will maintain the prestige of my name.
Je maintiendrai l’honneur, la foy, la loy (I will maintain the honour, the faith and the law.
de Dieu, du Roy, de mes amies et moi.’ (Of God and the King, of my friends and of myself.
In this artwork, Nina uses the North Sea and the swimmer as a metaphor for the emancipation and equality that generations of Dutch have fought for. With strength, they kept their heads above water and created a society that advocates equal rights. “I realized that my fighting spirit during life's hardships originated from this unconscious strength to 'maintain,' passed down by generations before me.” The modern Delft Blue Tile patterns overlaying the work serve as “the veil of heritage” behind which life unfolds.
Origin 2024
Sculpture
Mixed Media
24 W x 12 D x 24 H inches (61cm x 30cm x 61cm)
Painted in the iconic Dutch Delfts Blue patterns, this sculpture serves as a self-portrait and tells stories inspired by the artist's personal experiences and landscapes. Delft Blue originated in the 17th century when many ships from the Dutch East India Company (VOC) traveled to Asia, bringing back various luxury goods to the Netherlands, including Chinese porcelain. Initially, the chinaware was used as ballast on ships, but as the popularity of blue and white porcelain grew, trading this chinaware became a significant activity for the VOC. A war in China disrupted the import of earthenware, prompting the Dutch to create their own blue and white porcelain. As a result, factories were established in Delft. To this day, Delft Blue tiles feature illustrations inspired by Dutch landscapes and daily life.
Beter een vogel in de hand dan tien in de lucht (Dutch Proverb) 2024 Mixed Media on Canvas 12-inch Diameter (30.5 cm Diameter) Translation: Beter one bird in your hand than 10 in the air. This proverb expresses the value of certainty and appreciating what you already have over chasing uncertain opportunities.
Wie het laatst lacht, lacht het best (Dutch Proverb) 2024 Mixed Media on Canvas 12-inch Diameter (30.5 cm Diameter) Translation: Who laughs last, laughs best. This proverb expresses the one who comes out best at the end is the actual winner.
Achter de wolken schijnt de zon (Dutch Proverb) 2024 Mixed Media on Canvas 12-inch Diameter (30.5 cm Diameter) Translation: Behind the clouds the sun always shines. This proverb expresses that all bad things will come to an end and better times will surely come again.
Oost west, thuis best (Dutch Proverb) 2024 Mixed Media on Canvas 12-inch Diameter (30.5 cm Diameter) Translation: East West Home is the best. This proverb expresses that one may have crisscrossed the whole world and always had a good life, but one will find nowhere better than at home
Door de bomen het bos niet meer zien (Dutch Proverb) 2024 Mixed Media on Canvas 12-inch Diameter (30.5 cm Diameter) Translation: You can’t see the forest through the trees. This proverb expresses that by paying too much attention to details (the trees), losing sight of the whole (the forest)'
De laatste loodjes wegen het zwaarst (Dutch Proverb) 2024 Mixed Media on Canvas 12-inch Diameter (30.5 cm Diameter) Translation: The last leads way the heaviest. This proverb expresses that finishing a task or assignment is the most difficult; That last part requires the most perseverance.
Proverbs reflect a culture's values, history, and sense of humor. The Dutch are particularly known for their proverbs, which they frequently incorporate into conversation. These proverbs provide insights into Dutch thought processes and communication styles. The paintings are displayed in an embroidery hoop, with wires still attached, symbolizing the historical connections between people from one culture through shared experiences.
Wind 2024
Matte Print Edition of 25
20 x 30 inches (50.8 x 76.2cm)
Signed and Numbered
Zee (Sea) 2024
Matte Print Edition of 25
20 x 30 inches (50.8 x 76.2cm)
Signed and Numbered
Land 2024
Matte Print Edition of 25
20 x 30 inches (50.8 x 76.2cm)
Signed and Numbered
In this work the artist takes a look at the classical and geographical elements she was brought up in. “Determining the specific elements that convey the essence of my elemental origin has been a thoughtful process. These works reflect the influences of my upbringing and evoke a profound sense of melancholy.”