Between king and QUEEN
Who is Tasya van Ree? The mysterious girl in the big black hat has been fascinating art connoisseurs and fashion lovers alike since she burst onto the scene with her stunning black-and-white photographs of celebrities like Michelle Rodriguez and (one-time lover) Amber Heard. I asked the Hawaiian-born visual artist of Dutch-Japanese ancestry (41) about her art and soul. “Between both King and Queen is where I exist.”
Marlies: I first got to know you through your mesmerizing and very sensual black-and-white photographs. Your latest, rather dream-like work is very different, but equally sensual. What inspired you to make it?
Tasya: I’ve been inspired by the affections of nature and love. Everything is becoming more meaningful and significant. And all things considered, I’ve been captivated by the intense liberation of my own imagination and personal freedom. I’m really enjoying this moment in my life. It’s radiant.
Marlies: What drives you to keep reinventing yourself?
Tasya: It’s the natural process of evolution.
Marlies: Queen Elizabeth I, my muse for my latest collection, used to be described as ‘both Queen and King’ by contemporaries. I noticed those exact same words tattooed on your wrists.
Tasya: Yes, between both King and Queen is where I exist.
Marlies: Speaking of tattoos, I found a mesmerizing self-portrait on your Instagram account where I can see some Dutch words tattooed on your ribcage: “… naar mijn hart”. What is the complete sentence?
Tasya: “Een vrouw naar mijn hart.” (A woman after my heart, red.)
Marlies: What historical figure do you admire/identify with?
Tasya: All mythological creatures and ancient deities.
Marlies: You have such a strong, iconic style, a style you once described as Japanese/Dutch (also your cultural background). Can you explain how these 2 cultures have influenced you?
Tasya: I am the sum total of both my parts. I am obsessed with the simplest impressions that the elements around me leave behind. I love detail and kindness and find happiness in the harmony of individuality and intention. I’ve had very strong presences from both lineages in my life, which instilled a very important and powerful programming deep inside of me. A colorful yet subtle richness that expresses itself in various ways, whether through internal thoughts or outward reflections. A very specific frequency I would say.
Marlies: Do you consider yourself a feminist?
Tasya: Amongst other things, yes.
Marlies: The theme of this issue of Feminine Feminist is #bebrave. What is the bravest thing you have ever done? How would you define ‘brave’?
Tasya: I’ve always trusted and respected the unknown. Honesty is brave.
Marlies: What is your life motto?
Tasya: Believe you are infinite.
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