Tom Claassen (1964, The Netherlands) is best known in the art scene as well as among the general public for his works created for the public arena. Klaasen’s work often traverses the boundaries of culture and nature, firmly rooted in the sculptural tradition, but with a unique, playful and personal touch. Soft, rounded shapes often invite caresses, but this proves to be deceptive. Because the material that looks so soft and friendly is actually bronze. Similarly, sculptures that appear hard and unattractive to the touch are actually made of rubber. artistic background
Claassen studied at the St. Joost Academy of Fine Arts in the Netherlands and was awarded the “PRIX DE ROME” in 1992. Claassen’s work is in the collections of the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, the Kroller-Muller Museum in Otterlo (both in the Netherlands), the FRAC Franche-Comte Museum in Besançon, France, and the Gateway Foundation in St. Louis, USA.
www.ftn-books.com has the 2009 Tom Claassen book now available
