BIOGRAPHY
Personal Information:
Place of Birth: The Netherlands
Current Residence: Connecticut, USA
Education:
Bachelor of Fine Art from HKU Art School, Utrecht,
The Netherlands
Professional Experience:
Houseboat Life and Art School: Spent several years living on a houseboat in Amsterdam while attending HKU Art school
in Utrecht.
Artistic Journey in France: Moved to France after graduation, set up a studio in a farmhouse barn, and dedicated over a decade to painting and exhibiting his works.
Exhibition Highlights: Exhibited in France, Denmark, The Netherlands, Germany, Los Angeles and New York. Notable installation includes “Le images d’un autre pays,” a 16 x 45 foot “wall” composed of 27 paintings exhibited for two years in Château de La Palice, France.
Artistic Evolution:
Style Development: Evolved into a contemporary, impressionistic style of painting, employing thin, transparent layers of acrylic paint.
Figurative Elements: Incorporates figurative elements into his work, adding depth and life to each piece.
Current Endeavors:
Residence in Connecticut: Currently resides in Connecticut, USA, where he continues to develop his artistic style and create new works.
Artistic Approach
My artistic approach is rooted in pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms while exploring the complexities of the human experience.
My journey began, with the figurative elements of my paintings originating from the humble ink blots created by dripping ink from my fountain pen onto my school homework. Initially born out of embarrassment, these ink blots evolved into intricate little figures, sparking my fascination with the transformative power of art.
Over the years, this fascination grew into a distinct artistic style, where the fluidity of ink and the depth of acrylics converge to create mesmerizing compositions. My paintings serve as a visual narrative, weaving together personal experiences, emotions, and societal themes.
The fascination with transparency adds another layer of depth to my work. By applying transparent layers of paint, I create a visual dimension where older and newer elements merge seamlessly, offering viewers a glimpse into the intricate layers of the narrative. This play with transparency further emphasizes the transformative nature of my art, allowing for a dynamic interaction between light, color, and form.
The "POPPETJES"
The "poppetjes," or ink figures, serve as symbolic representations of humanity and life within an abstract artistic milieu. These diminutive figurative elements transcend gender, color, and cultural boundaries, embodying a universal essence. Originating from childhood experiences of ink-based penmanship, where ink blots dotted the page, the genesis of these poppetjes emerged as a means to aesthetically enhance the canvas.
Initially concealed within layers of paint during the artist's pursuit of abstract expressionism, the poppetjes gradually emerged as prominent focal points over time. Their significance extends beyond mere visual adornment, offering multifaceted interpretations. They evoke notions of temporal displacement, symbolizing voyages through past, present, and future realms, or the quest for new horizons and opportunities.
Set against diverse backdrops ranging from natural landscapes to urban vistas, these poppetjes beckon viewers to engage in interpretative storytelling, inviting them to imbue the scene with personal meaning and narrative.
Early Years
