Isabella Theys (b.1974, Brussels)  After a successful career as an HR Manager across various industries, Theys reignited her passion for art in late 2017. Her journey began with fashion studies at the Royal Academy of Antwerp in her twenties, setting the stage for a compelling return to the art world. Theys's oil paintings are a powerful response to the ageist metaphors and superficial beauty standards prevalent in our society. She fearlessly paints figures that challenge these norms, questioning ageism, the pursuit of impeccable appearance, and stereotypical gender roles. With a subtle humour, she reshapes social conventions surrounding the cult of youth. Her paintings act as a subversive fairy tale, offering a voice from the margins to challenge dominant social norms. Theys masterfully captures the contradictions in human lives and the often-unspoken fantasy expectations of contemporary society, inviting viewers to look beyond the dictates of normative attractiveness.