Amber Schaafsma

In my work I explore a delicate balance between romanticising, and ironising, two potentially conflicting attitudes depicted with a wink to the aesthetic of romanticism. I am both a sceptic and critic towards that aesthetic as well as an admirer. I want neither of these “beliefs” to fully convince,nor authorise to do so.As I uncover and reveal my own delusions in my work, I ironically and inevitably bundle and endorse them.

Through metafiction, visual metaphors (Beeldspraak), and a hopeful outlook on irony, I want to invite you into the ambivalence that happens in the twilight zone. I enjoy gambling with the possibility of my work to be perceived as kitsch & Cliche by using oversaturated western icons such as dice and bars.

I focus on letting the viewer feel like the protagonist of the story I suggest. I try to revisit moments that have already burnt-out, but whose energy is still lingering, a scene nor glimpse of a moment, waiting to be romanticised. Flat figurative depictions of deserted locations with no humans in the flesh present, but all the evidence of.
I tend to depict a ‘Decorated’ nostalgia, as nostalgia is never an objective informant but always with bias to one’s own longing and yearning, which makes it ironic, but still wants to convince you. nostalgic sentimentality derives from the ignorance that a certain complete form of harmony has ever been a reality in times we yearn for to have back.
I’m retracing the presence, and questioning cliche ‘romantic’ tropes and devices through metaphor. If everything tries to convey the same thing, does it fall flat or convince? Questioning these romantic tropes whilst trying to portray them in a decor nor scenery. I want you to question romanticising, ironically.

Publication: Romantic Irony For the Wound Realist

In my Thesis titled: “Romantic Irony For the wounded realist” I explore ‘the unfulfilling desire’ and the arguable delusion and hypocrisy that comes with hope. Romantic Irony is a literary trope that highlights a contrast between the protagonist's romantic ideals and the reality of their situations.

Aware of it’s own hypocrisy and sensibility to the outside world. Delusion is connected to romanticising for me whereas irony is connected to sensibility. Transcending figurative content I want to dress the meta-fictional layer to both invite and exclude the viewer.

Romanticising and ironising, are the literary and visual embodiment of a smirk and a wink to me. It’s the in the flesh and metaphorical ‘tongue in cheek’. It all stands it’s ground but, is still peeking over the edge.

Upcoming and previous exhibitions

Factor IJ Spotlight Exhibition
September 30th-October 14th 2026

Factor IJ groupshow Atelierroute
May 29th - May 31st 2026

KRINGPLANK - De Kring, Amsterdam - Amber Schaafsma Tom Alon & Tim Vergouw
November 2025 -February 2026

Corendon x On A Whim - Group show 3 artists Amber Schaafsma Tom Van Veen & Rebecka Hultman
May-July 2025

Best Of Graduates Ron Mandos 2024 - Group Exhibition, Ron Mandos Gallery
May-July 2025

Graduation show Rietveld Academy - Group Exhibition
07-2024 till 09-2024

HAPPY BELATED THANK YOU -Group Exhibition, M4 Gast Atelier
07-2024 till 07-2024

Until The Dust Wears Off - Solo Exhibition, Kriterion
02-2024 till 02-2024

Exhibition Cultuurdome
11-2023 Till 12-22

GUNS SE* & MOTIF
Group exhibition De Bouwput Gallery
08-2022 Till 10-2022