Henk Jan Sanderman Dutch, b. 1975

Henk Jan Sanderman (Ermelo, 1975) is a visual artist known for his humorous and idiosyncratic sculptures in porcelain and bronze. With a keen eye for detail and a playful approach to form and meaning, he transforms the everyday into something surprising and poetic.

His work lies at the intersection of ceramics and sculpture. He creates both wall objects on canvas and standing sculptures, in which animals often play a leading role. Each work contains a subtle irony that invites both smiles and bewilderment.

What makes his work extra special is that he controls the entire process. From the initial modelling to the firing of the porcelain and the casting of the bronze in his own workshop: each piece bears his signature, literally and figuratively. This dedication to craftsmanship gives his sculptures a unique authenticity.

Thematically, Henk Jan explores the lightness of being, human idiosyncrasies and the thin, sharp line between seriousness and humour. His sculptures sometimes seem to jump off the canvas or dance in space — light-hearted, but with a solid foundation in craftsmanship and mastery of materials.