Anja Jager

Art education
I began my studies at Academie Minerva (Groningen), where I was taught by, among others, Wout Muller (1946–2000), whose work continues to inspire me to this day.
Years later, I continued my education at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague, where Ellis Tertoolen (1951–2011) introduced me to the remarkable technique of egg tempera, along with a broad knowledge and deep love for the craft of painting. Together we later attended a short fresco course in Toulouse.

Themes: Symbolism and Portraits
In my work, I often search for the deeper layers behind reality—symbolism in fairy tales, myths, and religion. I explore the meanings, and most importantly: what role does the woman play in them? These explorations give rise to new images, each with its own symbolic language.
In addition to autonomous work, I also paint portraits on commission.

Mediums: Oil and Egg Tempera
Though I graduated with a focus on egg tempera—a medieval painting technique in which the artist creates their own paint from egg yolk and pigments—I now work exclusively in oil paint. The richness of the material and its many possibilities continue to fascinate me.
Alongside painting, I also enjoy creating digital collages.

Illustration Work
I’ve illustrated several picture books and visual work for poetry collections. These publications have appeared:

• 2016 – Wolkenjacht, a matchbox-sized book with Hanneke Groenteman (Matchboox)

• 2016 – Warm van vacht, with poetry by Margreet Schouwenaar inspired by thirteen dreamlike, erotic miniatures

• 2014 – The Wild Swans, a retelling and illustration of the classic fairy tale, published by De Eenhoorn

• 2012 – Stom geluk, picture book with a story by Pieter van Oudheusden (1957–2013), De Eenhoorn

• 2010 – Pelgrima, poetry by Marja Weers inspired by my paintings

• 2008 – Toen, nu en eeuwig, haikus by Guus Martens, A3-Boeken
  
  

TV Portraits
In 2010, I won an episode of Sterren op het doek (Dutch TV show) with my portrait of Marc Marie Huybrechts, and in 2015 I was a finalist with a portrait of Hanneke Groenteman.