Willem van Veldhuizen Nederlands, b. 1954

Visual artist Willem van Veldhuizen (born 1954, Rotterdam) has built an extensive oeuvre over the past forty years. In his works, he reproduces an almost surreal empty space, often representing the interior of a museum. A large part of the canvas is reserved for a shiny floor, reflecting a reality beyond the window. The interior, the objects, and the exterior space are technically realistic, yet their composition yields a surrealistic image.

His recent work is characterised by more expressive use of colour, but colour remains subordinate to form. He also includes fewer details in the interiors than before. However, while accents in his work have shifted over time, the balance between the inner and outer world remains key to his paintings. In addition to being a painter, Willem is also a model draughtsman. Nowadays, he also enjoys working with his iPad, capturing his experiences during periods of wanderlust.

His works are found in various private and museum collections and have been published in several monographs. He has received multiple awards for his work, including the Bronze Medal European Prize for Painting, the Karel Klinkenberg Prize for Drawing, a Royal Grant for Painting, the Rotterdam Art Council Stipendium, and a Gold Medal of Honor as a member of the advisory board of the Al Thani Award for Photography.