Didi van der Velde, born in Amsterdam in 1969, is an autonomous visual artist who lives and works in her hometown. She studied at the Utrecht School of the Arts. ​

Van der Velde's work is deeply rooted in her personal quest for identity and origins. As the daughter of a Surinamese father and a Jewish-Dutch mother, she has always had a strong interest in her ancestors and the history of slavery. This fascination led her to paint 'Antsisters'—faces without clear features—that reflect her feelings and questions about her origins. Her travels through Africa, where she spent time with the San people, and to the interior of Suriname, where she came into contact with the Maroons, have deepened her understanding of her roots and influenced her artistic expression. ​

In her project 'My DNA tells me who I am', Van der Velde investigated her genetic background through a DNA test, the results of which she revealed during a solo exhibition. This exhibition told the story of her personal journey of discovery and served as a conclusion to a period of intensive research into her origins. ​

Van der Velde's artworks have been presented on various platforms, including Kunstveiling.nl, where her work is offered to collectors and enthusiasts. ​

Through her art, Didi van der Velde invites viewers to reflect on themes such as identity, heritage and the influence of history on the individual. Her work is a powerful expression of her personal journey and a bridge between past and present.