Grada Snijder, a Dutch artist, is known for her pastel portraits that explore human emotions, cultural exchanges, and the beauty of interaction. Her art is characterized by harmony in color and craftsmanship, capturing the essence of her subjects with empathy and precision.
One of her featured works, “Sympathy” (pastel on cardboard, 90×70 cm), portrays Brazilian model Camilla Costa, who posed for the cover of Arab Harper’s Bazaar. The artwork reflects the positive influence of different cultures on art and fashion, with the model wearing Western fashion while gracing the cover of an Arab magazine. The title “Sympathy” emphasizes the importance of empathy and mutual understanding between cultures, highlighting how art brings people together across boundaries. Snijder’s delicate use of pastels brings warmth and depth to the composition, making it both visually stunning and thought-provoking.
Grada Snijder began her career as a Visual Arts teacher after graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Art in Education in 2011. While teaching brought her joy, she missed creating her own artwork and eventually transitioned to focusing more on her art. Her pastel portraits quickly gained recognition, leading to exhibitions in various countries. Through her work, Snijder strives to capture the emotions and connections between individuals, believing in the power of art to evoke joy and inspire people.
As a finalist in the category of Drawing for the scan.art Emerging Artist Prize 2024, Snijder’s work will be displayed at the Finalist Exhibition at Bakerhouse Gallery, Graz, Austria, opening to the public on Friday, October 18th, 18:00. Her artwork, with its blend of cultural symbolism and emotional depth, invites viewers to reflect on the shared human experience.
For more about Grada Snijders’s artwork and philosophy, visit her website at www.gradasnijder.nl or her Profile on scan.art.
For more information about the scan.art Emerging Artist Prize, visit our website www.scan.art/emergingartistprize
