Anil Seth says: “I was immediately struck by the clarity, presence, and depth of her work, and we fell into conversation about the relationship between art, perception, and neuroscience. I’d always been intrigued by the art-historical notion of the ‘beholder’s share’ – the essential contribution that the viewer – or participant – brings to the experience of an artwork. For me, this notion had strong echoes in the neuroscience of perception that I was working on and writing about. Anniek’s paintings – and her overall approach – struck me as the perfect artistic complement to my own scientific and philosophical ideas. We were both asking the same questions, but using our own tools and ways of thinking.”

From an early age Verholt developed an interest in the therapeutic quality and role of art and art-making. Instead of accepting an offer at the Academy of Art in Arnhem, she decided to study art therapy and began creating abstract paintings often inspired by her research and studies in colour and psychology. She has continued to push the boundaries of abstract painting techniques as well as teaching and collaborating with mental health organisations, scientists and cultural institutes to promote the therapeutic use of art.

Verholt says: “The mind fascinates me – how we perceive ourselves and the world around us – and more specifically how we interact with and experience art. This has led me to the work of pioneering scientists in the field of neuroaesthetics and neuroscience.” Verholt has also teamed up with Anil Seth to explore visual and emotional responses for a new body of work.

Seth says: “I’ve followed her work ever since we first met and have been ever more impressed by its aesthetic balance, by her exploration and use of colour to evoke emotions and provoke questions, and I’ve learned so much by talking with her about her process – in particular about when a piece can be considered ‘finished’. Anniek’s work exemplifies all that is good about abstract art, and it’s been a privilege to get to know her, and her art, so well.

“She is currently developing an artistic response to a new ‘experiment’ I am working on as part of a large-scale public art science project (‘Dreamachine’, part of Unboxed 2022) in which we use flickering light to produce intense visual and emotional experiences – when people have their eyes closed! This is a unique challenge, and I am excited to see what Anniek comes up with. I am sure it will be brilliant.”

Verholt will also be participating in a group show at Art Number 23 Gallery in Athens next month, showing several pieces from her ‘Blue and White Composition’ series.