Looking outwards. (1923) Painting by Bart Van Zweeden

Bart Van Zweeden is a contemporary Dutch artist renowned for his diverse body of work spanning classical portraits to experimental compositions. With a profound admiration for the peerless techniques of 17th-century masters, Van Zweeden's main series exude a timeless elegance reminiscent of classical artistry. Concerned by the dwindling emphasis on traditional portrait techniques in modern academia, he strives to preserve and evolve this discipline through his meticulous craftsmanship.

Van Zweeden's artistic journey commenced in 1978 during his student years, characterized by a rebellious spirit and an innate passion for painting. His unexpected success at the now-defunct Reker art dealership in Amsterdam propelled him to explore and shape his artistic vision. Despite lacking formal training initially, he later honed his skills at the Free Academy The Hague in the 1980s and pursued further education in model and portrait studies.

Continuing his artistic evolution, Van Zweeden delved into courses at the Classical Academy in Groningen, enriching his repertoire with a focus on figurative and realistic techniques. However, his trajectory shifted towards a more liberated painting style, prioritizing expression over replication. Embracing the philosophy of continuous growth, he embarked on a three-year trajectory at the Amsterdam Academy MK24, further refining his artistic voice.

Van Zweeden's oeuvre embodies a spectrum of themes and techniques, from experimental explorations in structure and limited color palettes to monumental canvas compositions. He seamlessly integrates alternative techniques such as screen printing and etching into his larger works, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. Through his commitment to series-based work, Van Zweeden navigates diverse avenues of creativity, each theme or expression serving as a narrative thread in his artistic discourse. As he approaches nearly four and a half decades as an artist, Van Zweeden remains steadfast in his pursuit of development and excellence.

• Nationality: NETHERLANDS
• Date of birth : 1958
• Artistic domains: Works by professional artists,
• Groups: Professional Artist Contemporary Dutch Artists