Biography
Natasja Kensmil (Amsterdam, 1973) studied at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy and De Ateliers, both in Amsterdam. Kensmil lives and works in Amsterdam and is represented by Andriesse-Eyck Gallery.
In her work, Natasja Kensmil often refers to historical themes and the interaction between past and present (Living Ancestors). Contradictions such as power and powerlessness (Tsar, Elizabeth I), the worldly and the spiritual (Books of Hours) and sacrifice and violence (The Martyrdom of Tsar) play a major role. With their many details, layers and nuances, Kensmil’s large canvases confront us with the dark sides of our human existence and history.
In recent years, her work has been featured in various museum exhibitions, both in the Netherlands and abroad, e.g. at the Stedelijk Museum (Amsterdam), the Van Abbemuseum (Eindhoven), the Stevenson Gallery (South Africa), The Rubell Family Collection (Miami), the Royal Hibernian Academy (Dublin), and the National Museum of Women in the Arts (Washington).
Her solo exhibition Monument of Regents is currently on view in the Amsterdam Museum wing of the Hermitage, and a new work can be seen at the Fries Museum, as part of the exhibition Icons.
Starting on 25 September, Natasja Kensmil’s first retrospective in the Netherlands will be on view at Kunsthal KAdE. The exhibition A Poison Tree presents a cross-section of her oeuvre, from the earliest works from the late 1990s to recent series, and is accompanied by the publication of an critical catalogue by Alauda Publications and KAdE. A documentary about Kensmil, by director Lisa Boerstra, produced by Interakt, is expected soon.
On the occasion of the Johannes Vermeer Award, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science every year showcases a presentation, based on the work of the award winner, in the OCW window, an exhibition space right next to the entrance of the Ministry, at Rijnstraat 50 in The Hague. The presentation on the work of Natasja Kensmil will be on view from 1 November 2021 until the end of January 2022.
Natasja Kensmil received several awards for her work, including the Royal Grant for Free Painting (now the Royal Award) in 1998.
Monument of Regents, 2018-2019, oil on canvas, (9x) 100cm x 80cm, Collection Amsterdam Museum. Photograph: Peter Cox
Selva Amazone, 2020, oil on canvas, 230cm x 200cm, Courtesy of Andriesse-Eyck Gallery galerie. Photograph: Peter Cox
Maria Munter and Isaac Jan Nijs, 2020, oil on canvas, 3 parts, total 250cm x 230cm, Collection Amsterdam Museum. Photograph: Peter Cox
White Elephant, 2019, oil on canvas, 200cm x 230cm, Collection Amsterdam Museum. Photograph: Peter Cox
Tsar, 2006, oil on canvas, 200cm X 200cm, Private Collection. Photograph: G.J. van Rooij
The Martyrdom of Tsar, 2007, oil on canvas, 230cm x 200cm, Courtesy of Andriesse-Eyck Gallery. Photograph: Peter Cox
Living Ancestors, 2009, oil on canvas, 260cm x 140cm, Courtesy of Andriesse-Eyck Gallery. Photograph: Peter Cox
Elizabeth 1, 2009, oil on canvas, 200cm x 200cm, Courtesy of Andriesse-Eyck Gallery. Photograph: Peter Cox
Books of Hours, 2013, oil on canvas, 200cm x 200cm, Defares Collection. Photograph: Peter Cox
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Solo exhibitions
Johannes Vermeer Prijs 2021, OCW, The Hague
Natasja Kensmil & Sadik Kwaish Alfraji, Kunsthal KAdE, Amersfoort
Monument der Regentessen, Amsterdam Museum in Hermitage Amsterdam, Amsterdam
In The Light of Time (with/met Nicoline Timmer), andriesse ~ eyck galerie, Amsterdam
Gospel Walkers, andriesse ~ eyck galerie, Amsterdam
Crying Light, Gallagher Gallery, Royal Hibernian Academy, Dublin, IE
Sleeping Beauty, Galerie Paul Andriesse, Amsterdam
Frozen Queen, STEVENSON, Cape Town, SA
RAW Couples, Galerie Paul Andriesse, Amsterdam
Hell‚s Angels, Galerie Paul Andriesse, Amsterdam
Cobra Museum voor Moderne Kunst, Amstelveen
Orca, Galerie De Praktijk, Amsterdam
Melodia de Jeremia, Buro Leeuwarden, Fries Museum, Leeuwarden
By the River of Babylon, Galerie De Praktijk, Amsterdam
Natasja Kensmil: Tekeningen, De Nederlandsche Bank, Amsterdam
Natasja Kensmil, Galerie De Praktijk, Amsterdam
Rush Art Gallery, New York, US