Denise Buisman Pilger

Leaving the Netherlands was a breeze. Japan didn’t scare me, America didn’t intimidate and Canada is as easy-going as it gets. The thing that frightens me, is creating Art.

For the longest time, I believed I was the master of my craft. I strode into my studio with confidence to create bodies of work like Traveling the World and World on Washi. In my bubble, I reigned supreme.

Then, one day I realized that the spaces I thought I controlled were fortified by the perceived expectations of the people around me. Their silent influence spawned countless rules, suffocating the artist within.

It dawned on me—I shouldn't be making the rules at all.

I have been creating Art for a decade and a half, and right now my studio in Canada is the most terrifying and exhilarating place to be. Inside, the Art decides the destination, where it leads I will follow.

An old man once told me: “It’s dangerous to go alone!” So, will you join me on this quest? Together we will explore ‘Unveiling’ a boundless realm of vibrant hues and delicate textures.

Step into my world, explore my art and meet the versions of myself I once knew.

Let's embark on an adventure of discovery.

Professional Development:
2024 - Washi paper workshop, Carriagehouse Paper, Brooklyn, NY.
2019 - Washi paper workshop, Washi paper museum, Mino, Japan
2018 - Woodblock printing classes, NHK, Nagoya, Japan.
2018 - Washi paper workshop, Washi paper museum, Mino, Japan.
2017 - Sumie-e classes, Nagoya-shi, Japan.
2017 - Yamato-e classes, Nagoya-shi, Japan.
2017 - Shodo (Japanese calligraphy) classes, Nagoya-shi, Japan.
2014 - Mixed Media Acrylic Workshop, Bev Wight, Viva Vida Art Gallery, QC, Canada.
2013 - Introduction to Encaustics, Manuela Jarry, Opaline Studio, QC, Canada
2012 - Introduction to Self-Publishing Art Books, Alex Brzezinki, Viva Vida Art gallery, QC, Canada.
2012 - Paper Pulp Painting, Margit Hideg, Viva Vida Art Gallery, QC, Canada.
2011 - Image Transfer Fast and Furious, Melanie Matthews, DDO Center for the Arts, QC, Canada.
2011 - Essential Acrylics Workshop, Melanie Matthews, DDO Center for the Arts, QC, Canada.
2011 - The Art of Photography, Sheryl Ann Medicoff, DDO Center for the Arts, QC, Canada.
2010 - Rediscovering a sense of wonder, Sketch classes, Deirdre McCay, QC, Canada.
2010 - Mixed Media, Stewart Fletcher, DDO Center for the Arts, QC, Canada.
2010 - Strategies in Painting Interpretation, Deirdre McCay,...

Selected Solo Exhibitions:
2022 - Memories of Japan - Solo Exhibition - Latitude 44 Gallery, Toronto, Canada.
2021 - 'Travel Diaries' Solo Exhibition, Viva Vida Art Gallery, Montréal, Canada.
2020 - ‘Curbside, Denise Buisman Pilger, Solo Exhibition, Viva Vida Art Gallery, Montréal, Canada.
2020 - ‘またね’ (Matane), Solo Exhibition, Esplanade Gallery, Nagoya, Japan.
2019 - ‘Enchanted; Japanese beauty through Dutch eyes', Solo Exhibition, Masa Gallery, Gifu, Japan.
2019 - ‘Speaking in Tongues’ theatre production and art exhibition, Chikusa Playhouse/千種文化小劇場, Nagoya, Japan.
2019 - ‘Départ - Arrivée', Solo Exhibition, Beaconsfield Library (curated by Viva Vida Art Gallery)
2018 - ‘Foreign Views', Solo Exhibition, ITbM Gallery, Nagoya, Japan.
2017 - ‘Cities Through My Eyes', Solo Exhibition, Latitude 44 Gallery, Toronto, ON, Canada.
2017 - ‘Departure', Solo Exhibition, Viva Vida Art Gallery, Pointe Claire, QC, Canada.
2016 - 'Storyscapes', Solo Exhibition, Viva Vida Art Gallery, Pointe Claire, QC, Canada.
2016 - 'Explore!' Solo Exhibition, Mission Old Brewery, Montreal, QC, Canada.
2016 - Solo Exhibition, The Merchant, Taps & Tavern, Toronto, ON, Canada.
2015 - ‘Viewfinder, Solo Exhibition, Viva Vida Art Gallery, Pointe Claire, QC, Canada....