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Lode Laperre (1966)

In the late 80s, after Lode Laperre completed his studies in fine arts in Brussels and solidified his conviction to become a visual artist, his profound interest in contemporary painting led to the development of a unique pictorial language, which initially emerged solely through the use of acrylic paint on canvas.

During the period of 1990-1995, Lode Laperre’s early work was repeatedly recognized, with accolades such as the National Prize for Painting Kulturama as laureate (1990) and his first remarkable solo exhibition (Tournai, 1992). The artistic challenges that awaited him in the studio and his increasing artistic activity resulted in various exhibitions, both individually and in groups.

In December 1998-January 1999, when Lode Laperre made his first trip to Southeast Asia, his extraordinary interest in other civilizations and visual cultures flourished. To this day, he frequently returns there, maintaining regular contacts with private and official institutions in the cultural-artistic field of the region, and advancing his artistic mission to create a distinct, oriental-occidental-fused pictorial language laden with personal significance. This intense and authentic artistic engagement culminates in exhibitions in Asia, including China, Taiwan, and Thailand.

Gradually, he also delves into creating ink wash drawings on paper, which align with the same artistic pursuit. Laperre’s artistic scope expands further to encompass sculptural works through the series Coprolites, in which excretions from his painting sessions are reincarnated into paint sculptures – sometimes presented as installations – which he refers to as the “fossilized remains” of his paintings.

www.ftn-books.com has the galerie Link publication in a numbered and signed edition of 100 cps now available.

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José Heerkens (1950)

The artworks of José Heerkens revolve around the essence of color. With precision, she arranges perfectly coordinated hues along lines and in grids on her canvases. Often, Heerkens leaves a portion of the linen blank, allowing the painting to remain “open enough to enter,” as she puts it. One can almost step into the painting by “walking” with their eyes over the canvas, following the shifting color blocks, the rhythm of lines, the denseness of the paint layer, and the interruptions in the brushstrokes.

www.ftn-books.com has the 2006 HORIZON book now available.

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Marianne van der Heijden (1922-1998)

Van der Heijden was the daughter of Antonius Cornelis Josephus (Anton) van der Heijden (1893-1974), a teacher at the lekeninternaat Rolduc. During the war years, she was educated at the Stadsacademie in Maastricht, under the tutelage of Jef Scheffers. In 1945, she moved to Amsterdam, where she studied at the Rijksacademie under Heinrich Campendonk and Gé Röling. Among her fellow students in Amsterdam were Jef Diederen, Gène Eggen, Harry op de Laak, and Frans Nols, all of whom are considered part of the group known as the Amsterdam Limburgers.

Van der Heijden and Max Reneman both competed for the Prix de Rome in 1951. The jury was unable to decide which of the two should receive the gold medal. As a result, the prize was not awarded, and the accompanying travel grants were not paid by the ministry. The Italian government provided a subsidy, enabling the two to make a study trip to that country. Ultimately, Van der Heijden studied at the Accademia delle Belle Arti in Ravenna. Upon returning to the Netherlands, she, alongside Diederen and Nols, established her studio at Kasteel Erenstein near Kerkrade. She then moved to Maastricht in 1959.

Her work encompassed sgraffito, mosaic, wall paintings, and tapestries. From 1954 to 1966, she also created stained-glass windows, which were executed by the workshops of Gerard Mesterom and Hubert Felix.[3] After this, she no longer accepted commissions from churches and focused on graphic work, such as woodcuts and etchings. In the late 1980s, she started creating paper collages. After the death of her life partner, Bruno Borchert, in 1994, she produced pastel works depicting the final stages of human life.

Van der Heijden was a member of the Algemeen Katholieke Kunstenaars Verbond, the Vereniging van Beoefenaars der Monumentale Kunsten, and the Beroepsvereniging van Beeldende Kunstenaars.

The artist passed away in 1998, at the age of 75. Her possessions were placed under the care of a foundation and were donated to the Museum van Bommel van Dam

www.ftn-books.com has the publication on this donation to the museum now available.

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Bård Breivik (1948-2016)

Bård Breivik (23 November 1948 – 10 January 2016) was a Norwegian sculptor and art instructor, renowned for his enigmatic and dynamic works. His journey towards artistic excellence began at the renowned Bergen Academy of Art and Design and St. Martin’s School of Art in London, where he honed his skills and mastered his craft.

Breivik’s passion for teaching and sharing knowledge led him to hold a prestigious professorship at the Royal Institute of Art in Stockholm from 1982 to 1985. However, he never abandoned his own artistic endeavors and continued to create thought-provoking and evocative pieces throughout his life.

His contributions to the art world were highly acclaimed, with the ‘Fibre’ exhibition in the autumn of 1981 receiving widespread recognition. Breivik’s talents also extended to scenography, as demonstrated in his work for the performance ‘Pyramider’ at the Henie-Onstad Art Centre.

In 1982, he was selected to participate in the influential group exhibition ‘The Sleeping Beauty – Art Now, Scandinavia Today’ at the prestigious Guggenheim Museum in New York. Furthermore, in 1984, Breivik’s works were displayed at the Toyama Modern Art Museum in Tokyo as part of an international group exhibition. The following year, he was honored to represent the Nordic region in the Venice Biennale, exhibiting at the Nordic pavilion.

Breivik’s creations transcended the realms of traditional art and pushed the boundaries of imagination. His legacy continues to inspire and fascinate art enthusiasts around the world.

www.ftn-books.com has the VORTEX 2005 exhibition catalog available.

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Rinus van den Bosch (1938-1996)

“Dagdieven,” declared Rinus van den Bosch, the renowned visual artist, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. He, a quintessential native of The Hague, roamed dreamily yet determinedly through his beloved city, delighting in all it had to offer. A masterful sketch artist, he painted, sang, composed, wrote poetry, and made music. Never had a child been born with more talent and less opportunity, some would say.

www.ftn-books.com has the 2009 Retrospective exhibition catalog at the BOymans Museum now available.

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Gijs Bosch Reitz (1860-1938)

Located on the corner of Wally Moesweg and Oud Blaricummerweg, on the left stands the home of renowned painter Bosch Reitz. Sigisbert (Gijs) Chrétien Bosch Reitz was born in Amsterdam on February 20, 1860. This artistic maestro, famed for his stunning pieces, tragically fell from a moving Gooische steam tram in 1938. As he stumbled home, his foot became entangled in the tram’s wheels, ultimately resulting in its crushing. He managed to make his way to a nearby hospital in Amsterdam, via taxi. However, his foot had been so terribly mangled that he succumbed to his injuries a few weeks later on April 9, 1938, and was laid to rest at Zorgvliet in Amsterdam.

www.ftn-books.com has the most important monograph on Bosch Reitz now available.

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Eddy Roos (1949)

Eddy Roos (1949) stands as a renowned visual artist hailing from Amsterdam and a graduate of the Rijksacademie in Amsterdam (1965-1973), where he received instruction from sculptors Cor Hund, Piet Esser, and Paul Grégoire. He also studied under Giacomo Manzu in Italy after his time at the academy. Roos is known for his extensive research of the works of his predecessors, a practice he continues to this day by regularly visiting museums to sketch and study.

The essence of life force brought to life through dance is a prominent theme in Roos’ work. This is reflected in his powerful and expressive, yet sensual drawings and sculptures, as well as choreographies, dance films, and etchings.

Roos’ magnum opus is the project known as the sculpture garden at Borg Verhildersum in Leens, Groningen, which he began in 1975 and consists of 13 sculptures. This unique project in Europe combines sculptures and garden architecture all designed by one artist. The guiding principle in the design of the garden and architecture of the sculptures is the golden ratio, creating a harmonious unity. This project is Roos’ life’s work, and he is determined to complete and perfect it. He hopes that the project will be supported and sustained by individuals, sponsors, and funds through the establishment of the Foundation Sculpture Garden so that the final piece of this project can be realized.

In addition to the sculpture garden, Roos has also completed various other projects, including the Spain Monument (Amsterdam), Air Dancer (Rotterdam), and the Jipsinghuizen Monument (Jipsinghuizen). His work can also be found in numerous private collections and museums, both in the Netherlands and abroad, including collections such as Groeneveld, Singer Museum, Hermitage Amsterdam, Museum Beelden aan Zee, Hannema-de Stuers Fundatie, Drents Museum, De Havixhorst, Museum Ton Schulten, the collection of Prof. Bardonnet in Paris, and the Atelier Eddy Roos Museum.

www.ftn-books.com has the monograph on Eddy Roos now available.

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Frank van Hemert (continued )

A brief tale about a prominent artist whom I have been following for over 3 decades, and whose marvelous collection I have built. His name has now resurfaced as I have acquired 3 significant early works. All three pieces originate from the esteemed collection of Gallery Nouvelles Images, and two of which were featured in the Van Hemert exhibitions at the Hague Municipal Museum. After being sold by Nouvelles Images, these works found their way into private collections, but I suspect that the gallery has repurchased them. Two of the works, executed on hard board with mixed media, will for certain remain in my personal collection, while the third (a gouache) might be available for purchase, as it bears a striking resemblance to a drawing already in my possession. www.ftn-books.com offers a nearly complete collection of Frank van Hemert’s catalogs for sale, sure to leave any enthusiast enthralled.

Here are the three acquisitions to our collection:

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Mishka Henner (1976)

Mishka Henner is a notable contributor leading the pack of contemporary artists reshaping the role of photography in the digital era. He perceives the capturing of imagery through an incessant array of automated and manual cameras as a cohesive depiction of the world, with boundless intricacy available to all with online access. A significant portion of his craft navigates this expansive digital landscape, honing in on critical themes of cultural and geo-political significance. His creative process often entails thorough investigative research coupled with the intricate construction of visuals crafted from materials procured online.

Born in 1976 in Brussels, Belgium, Henner relocated to the United Kingdom in 1984. He holds a Master’s degree from Goldsmiths College in London and in 2013, was bestowed with the Infinity Award for Art by the International Center of Photography. He was a finalist for the Deutsche Börse Photography Prize that same year, and in 2014, made the shortlist for the Prix Pictet for his expansive works centering on landscapes shaped by the beef and oil industries in America. Henner’s pieces were featured in the group exhibit New Photography at the renowned Museum of Modern Art in New York in 2015. A prominent solo showcase, Counter Intelligence at Orebro Konsthall in Sweden, showcased his works from various series in the spring of 2017.

www.ftn-books.com has the NO MAN’s LAND publication now available.

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Anuli Croon (1964)

Here is what Anuli Croon says about her work on her website.

www.ftn-books.com has currently 2 Croon titles available.

My paintings and works on paper show constructions that represent figures, interiors, and parts of cities as autonomous identities.

The figures as well as the urban fragments are composed of an assemblage of visual elements of different origins.

In a painting I always take my departure from varying viewpoints/perspectives. This way the paintings are becoming constructions that are open to several interpretations. The body shapes, noses and hands are stylized, the ambient features are made up of evenly looking planes and patterns.                                                                    

In my work I aim to combine different viewpoints in order to achieve a convincing picture. Basically everything is equally important and weighs equally heavily. I make no distinction in terms of time or style: classical, modern, folk art, fashion, textiles, architecture, art, comic strips – anything that comes to mind crystallizes out and I force it together in paintings to give it an individual identity.                                   

My influences are diverse:

Modern art, applied art, folk art; tapestries and textiles; comics and graphic novels; posters, stamps, book covers from various times and cultures.

– Artists: Giotto, Malevich, Roy Lichtenstein, Holbein, Seurat, Zurburán, Rogier van der Weijden, Philip Guston, Jean Brusselmans, Hendrik Werkman, Saul Steinberg, Eduardo Paolozzi,  Charley Harper, Patrick Caulfield, Matisse, Ikko Tanaka, Escher, Dick Bruna, Yrrah, Charles & Ray Eames, Alexander Girard.

These influences have fostered my imagery and strengthened me in my ambition to find what I was looking for.  My paintings relate to a crystallized reality, but not in the form of a story. It is rather a matter of interrupted narratives and connotations that resound in the space.  The viewers can wander among the various painted layers, or via the tangent planes where the layers converge.                                                                                   

In the paintings there is no centre; everything seems equally important. They are intangible puzzles that do not allow repetition or unambiguous explanations.  This way the paintings are becoming lucid and autonomous constructions that are open to several interpretations.