LORENA KLOOSTERBOER | 1ST PLACE, 2024 STILL LIFE COMPETITION
1st Place Winning Entry, 2024 Still Life Competition
Lorena Kloosterboer, Tempus Amoris II, acrylic
Lorena Kloosterboer
Lorena Kloosterboer is a Dutch-Argentine acrylic artist based in Antwerp, Belgium. She describes herself as a contemporary hyperrealist inspired by the still lifes of the Dutch Golden Age. Her award-winning art has been included in nearly 200 museum and gallery exhibitions and featured in Southwest Art, International Artist Magazine, American Art Collector, The Artist Magazine, and others. We recently spoke with Kloosterboer about her work.
Lorena Kloosterboer, Tempus ad Requiem LI, acrylic
Can you tell us about your love for realism and why you chose this style of art?
I've always loved realism. Of course, realism is a house with many rooms; realist styles range from broad, loose brushstrokes to meticulous, delicate hyperrealism, and everything in between and in nearly every genre. I believe my preference for realism in art stems from my personality — I'm a very grounded person with a sensible outlook on life, not inclined to flights of fancy on any level.
Lorena Kloosterboer, Left: Tempus Memores VI, acrylic. Right: Virtus Aquae V, acrylic.
You have said that "symbolism infuses your paintings." Can you tell us about this?
My paintings convey my thoughts about life through metaphors and symbolic meaning. This symbolism — representing higher ideals such as wisdom, awareness, and personal growth — may not be immediately obvious, yet I believe these affirmative messages reach the consciousness of those open to them.
My painting Tempus Amoris II portrays a mandarin duck standing on a contemporary art object — a porcelain apple. The mandarin duck is believed to mate for life and therefore symbolizes romantic bliss, devotion, and fidelity.
Lorena Kloosterboer, Left: Tempus Ad Requiem XLIX, acrylic. Right: Tempus Memores XIII, acrylic.
The Delftware symbolizes good health. Since ancient times, the apple has been considered one of the most sacred fruits, its hardiness and durability represent strength and growth. These apples (by the Royal Blue Collection) are at the heart of my latest series, Tempus Amoris, which means 'time to love' in Latin. It symbolizes the magnitude of love in all its forms — from passion, tenderness, and deep affection, to devotion, attachment, and genuine friendship. This premise stretches beyond humanity to include flora and fauna.
All artwork © Lorena Kloosterboer, shared with permission.