Robert Van De Graaf

ARTIST STATEMENT:

Robert van de Graaf (b. 1983, the Netherlands) is interested in the connections and relations between the mystical in this world, in all its manifestations (the sea, the sky, nature, human built environments, light and darkness), and the sense and the dimension of the spiritual world and our soul.
In his exploration he is seeking the mystical hidden in this world which he translates into metaphorical paintings. The works express a complex interplay of visual impressions combined with emotional and spiritual reflection. Each piece gives substance to his ongoing personal journey to seek meaning in life.

With his work Van de Graaf questions human destiny and how we as human beings can develop ourselves and grow on a spiritual level. He wishes his artworks to stimulate an opening towards personal deepening, both for himself and the viewer. The artworks aim to elicit a gaze back at the viewer, a reflection of feelings, crossing the line from observation to introspection.

Robert draws his inspiration from nature, the philosophy of life, spiritual and religious stories, mythology and mystical places. He transforms his inspiration into contemporary interpretations while richly referring to artists through all times of...

Master of Science in Architecture (2009)
Technical University Delft, The Netherlands

Internships in Architecture, New York City (New York, United States), 2006 - 2007

Private painting and drawing education by the Dutch Artist, Erica Meyster 1998 - 2001

SOLO

2017 - 2025 Private Studio Exhibitions, for art collectors, The Hague, The Netherlands

2025 Ongoing ‘Works on Artsy’, selection of works are represented on Artsy by contemporary gallery Al-Tiba9, Barcelona, Spain

2023 11 March - 1 May ‘A Selection of Recent Works’, Salon des Arts, Maastricht, The Netherlands, curated by Ad Himmelreich, former conservator of the Bonnefanten Museum, Maastricht, The Netherlands. Ad Himmelreich wrote an essay about his work.

2015 1 - 30 April New Place Art Gallery, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands

2014 September Annual Dutch Art Fair, Solo-exhibition, Amsterdam, The Netherlands



GROUP


2024 15 Nov - 15 Dec ‘Beyond Boundaries’, Artsin Square, virtual

2024 8 April - 8 May ‘Untold Stories’, Artsin Square, virtual

2024 8 Jan - 8 Febr ‘Embrace of Madness’, Artsin Square, virtual

2023 1 Febr - 31 Dec ‘Emerging Artist Programme 2023’, Contemporary Art Collectors

2022 1 Nov - 1 Febr 2023 ‘The Face of the Peace’, Contemporary Art Curator Magazine, virtual

2022 14 Sept - 15 Nov ‘Fabricated Realities’, Contemporary Art Collectors, virtual

2022 10 Aug - 10 Sept ‘Tendencies in Painting’, London Paint Club, online

2022 23 Febr - 23 July ‘Butterfly Effect’ Conte...