Cornelia van Voorst presents portraits of roses from her neighbourhood made with resist materials such as eraser, wax and china pencil which persevere despite many dense layers of ink. Her work is an act of remembrance for those who suffer violence, illness, prejudice, oppression and poverty – who have stories of endurance if not victory to tell. The rose is often presented as love in exclusive, romantic perfection. A broken, disintegrating rose is chosen to speak for a universal, compassionate approach to the experience of loss and trauma.

About the Artist

Cornelia van Voorst has a studio practice in Victoria, BC, Canada, on traditional Lekwungen land. Living with a complex form of PTSD influences her interest in the contemporary resonance of history through intergenerational memory. She engages with stories of war, trauma, grief and love that are neglected by, yet question, dominant narratives. She studied fine art at the Northern Sydney Institute and The National Art School in Sydney, Australia. Her studies have continued with the Vancouver Island School of Art and the Arc.hive ARC Mentorship Program. Cornelia is Artist in Residence with the Abbey Church, Victoria, BC. She was curator of emerging and contemporary art for the Stairwell Gallery at St Philip Anglican Church, Victoria, BC from 2012-2018.