Everlasting Greyzone

Everlasting Greyzone
Faria van Creij-Callender
3 Nov 2023 – 14 Jan 2024

Hama Gallery is proud to present Everlasting Greyzone, the debut solo exhibition of artist Faria van Creij-Callender. Her artworks are an exploration of identity, blending the hues of heritage and the shadows of the in-between. Born into various cultural backgrounds, Faria found her canvas in the midst of contrasts, using art as a medium to navigate the complex interplay of light and dark, colour and (im)balance. Embedded with introspection, her work aims to portray the complexity of human existence, in all its shades.

This exhibition showcases Faria’s unique style of painting, which she developed studying Fine Arts at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague (KABK). She understands the rich layers of artistic traditions, which she often draws elements from while painting. Yet, it is the act of drawing, the moments of silence or the encounters with everyday life that spark her creativity.

Faria’s process is a dance between planning and spontaneous expression. Each artwork begins with a sketch, an initial drawing that serves as the foundation for her inquiry into light, colours and compositions. As the exhibition title suggests, Faria likes to broaden the boundaries of what it means to exist in different worlds. As a result, her artworks refer to objects and pursuits that stand on the intersection of black and white, creating layered stories that remind us of what Faria calls the Greyzone. Often, she uses herself as the subject, creating self-portraits that are expressions of understanding her own identity.

The core of Faria’s work lies in her ability to merge historical techniques with contemporary themes, blending historical painting techniques with a portrayal of modern identity. Her paintings are not just a reflection of her own journey; they create a space where identity can flow and where the viewer is invited to be curious of oneself.

In a world often defined by isolating categories, Faria’s art stands as a testament to the beauty of embracing the in-between, where colours blend and shadows fade into the canvas. Infusing each painting with her perspective, she creates imaginative landscapes that embody the understanding that one can be many things at once.