Frank Willems

Frank Willems creates art that is constantly evolving. His style is an eclectic mix of urban art, pop art, and neo-expressionism, in which he plays with visual language and text as an image. His work moves between humor and seriousness, chaos and structure, reality and absurdity. Willems works intuitively and spontaneously, driven by an unstoppable work ethic and a desire to break free from conventions.

Discarded materials, especially reclaimed wood, form the foundation of his work. Not only for sustainability reasons but also for their raw, lived-in appearance, which adds depth to his compositions. He embraces the imperfections of the material and incorporates them into his expressive visual language, where cartoonish figures, skeletal forms, and animals frequently appear. His work is playful and colorful, yet beneath the cheerful exterior often lies a deeper, sometimes confrontational layer.

Nostalgia plays a significant role in his art. Willems draws inspiration from the spirit of the times, his fears, and memories of the past. He magnifies everyday subjects, distorts them, and transforms them into a visual language that feels both familiar and alienating. Text plays an essential visual role, with his consistent use of an inve...

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2025
GREETINGS FROM DISTELLOO
Camping Distelloo, Helvoirt (NL)

2020 – 2025
Voltaire x Frank Willems
A home base in Den Bosch. Every six months you will find new works by Frank Willems.
Voltaire, Den Bosch (NL)

2024
Summer Holiday Exhibition
Camping Distelloo, Helvoirt (NL)

2019-2023
L’Atelier presents: Frank Willems
L’Atelier, Den Bosch (NL)

2022
De Rooie Haen presents: Frank Willems
De Rooie Haen, Den Bosch (NL)

2021
Het Pieck presents: Frank Willems
Het Pieck, Drunen (NL)

2020 – 2021
Boel presents: Frank Willems
Boel, Den Bosch (NL)

2019 – 2020
Van Dijk presents: Frank Willems
Van Dijk Waalwijk, Waalwijk (NL)


GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2025
REVELATOR
Westermarkt 4, Amsterdam (NL)
Other participating artists: Laser 3.14, YorkOne

2025
KunstRai – WOW by Rob Malasch
Rai, Amsterdam (NL)
Other participating artists: Laser 3.14, Andy Warhol, Dirk Larsson, Koert Stuyf, Peter van Dongen, Ringel Goslinga, Paul Nassenstein, Max Natkiel, Els Timmerman, Broodje aka Beppy Viergever, Bamber Delver, Joost Benthem, John Studulski, Silke Riis, Maia Taieb, More Than Tv, Mieke Blits

2025
UNKNOWN ZAANDAM
UNKnowN, Zaandam (NL)
Other participating artists: Laser 3.14, Hans de Tweede, Perishable Rush

2025
GRABBELTON
The Grey Spac...