About the Artist

Anne Radu’s work has often been described as ‘semi-abstract’ but she will smile ruefully when categorised in this way. She says “I paint in a range of styles which often overlap, one leading into another. But they always contain multiple layers of meaning: I am interested in the symbolic, sensual and spiritual aspects of art, together with the nature of reality and how our perception of it can be challenged.”

Always wanting to provoke mental stimulation, she is currently exploring ways to take the meditative aspects of her paintings further as well as the notion of everything being in a state of flux, a reflection of Buddhist and Taoist beliefs. Radu’s latest work has increasingly involved photography, collage and mixed media. However she paints primarily in acrylics and has developed her own innovative style with this medium.

She uses canvas or board and enjoys introducing an element of risk into every picture. “I like to experiment with textures and colour to avoid my work becoming too contrived – it makes it more exciting for me!” she says. Whether it’s an unexpected sweep of colour or perhaps the use of nail polish, it’s uniquely Radu.

Anne was born in Devon, England into a family of artists. She started painting from an early age and later studied for a BA in Art History following by an MA in Visual Culture.

A qualified teacher, Anne has set up and run a wide range of community arts projects as well as taught art at all levels in schools and colleges. She has dual nationality (English/Dutch) and can speak several languages having also worked as a translator/interpreter.

She has travelled extensively throughout her life and this, together with her other interests of photography and mosaic, greatly influence her art.