interview with selwyn senatori
Mama was a Rolling Stone by Selwyn Sena
Dear Selwyn, our condolences on the recent passing of your mother.
In what ways did she inspire your artworks in the past and influence your way of living?
Thank you, my mother was pure love and positivity but also a jumping Jack with ADHD. That’s probably why I use fast brushstrokes and have quick responses on everything that society throws at me, which you can clearly see in my artworks.
Selwyn Senatori with Paris Hilton in his studio in Amsterdam
You are renowned in the Netherlands for your pop art paintings and collaborations with famous brands and celebrities like Paris Hilton, David Guetta and Mariah Carey. However, you’ve expressed a desire to explore new directions. Could you share how your life as a father and family man has influenced the evolution of your art?
Well, almost 3 decades of a ‘rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle’ surely would mean an early death :) Growing older with more responsibilities creates new emotions and thus new art. I’m riping like a good old whiskey I guess my art gets more layered and more meaningful.
Are there any upcoming projects or exhibitions that you would like to share, which signify your transition into the new artistic direction you envision?
I am lining up some international art fairs and working towards several solo shows.
Venturing into new mediums and forms of art can be daunting, especially when moving away from established styles that have proven successful.
How do you approach this challenge, and what motivates you to explore uncharted artistic territories?
Diving deep into the unknown does not scare me at all. Quite the opposite actually.. It gives me a comfortable feeling of deep relaxation without any pressure.
Selwyn Senatori interview in his famous studio at Rokin, Amsterdam
photography Olivier Varossieau
You and Olivier have been influential figures in the Amsterdam art scene for over two decades.
This is the first time you’re collaborating on a presentation at KunstRai. Can you tell us more about how this collaboration came about and your feelings about this joint venture?
While sparring with Olivier, I came with new insights which immediately led to new artworks with new materials. He thought they were fair ready so we took them to the Kunstrai. Again, with no expectations and no pressure collectors were positively surprised and we even started selling. A big success I would say and a good start to build up on.
Reflecting on Amsterdam’s evolution, how do you perceive the city’s transformation from the 1980s-2000s to the present day, particularly in the context of its art scene?
Like I mentioned before I have been painting for almost 3 decades so I’ve witnessed the whole transformation in the art scene. There were only a handful of artist in the 80s and 90s that mattered. Back in those days an artist was skilled, mixing paints silk screening and setting up canvasses. Nowadays, everybody with a little marketing experience or a handy friend with social media skills can create a nice artist Instagram account. Throw a little paint on their pants and call themselves artist.
What is your next travel destination, and how does travel influence your artistic inspiration?
I’m off to Ibiza with one of my bigger clients SEG. Painting with some football legends. Also a mural in New York City is coming up this year. Observing people along the way on airports and in the city inspires me in a social anthropologic way.
What new skills or knowledge do you aspire to acquire this year, and what insights or experiences would you like to impart to others through your art?
I’m receiving, distilling, observing and building. On a technical level, I want to sculpture more and explore drawing techniques.
My whole career started with drawing, so that’s also my piece of advice to others draw as much as you can.
Buy Bitcoin
And suddenly it all changed
Lost connection
Do not disturb
