The Gorgeous and the Beast (2024) Photography by Elmer Kouwenberg

Elmer Kouwenberg is a digital artist whose career spans over 20 years. He started with cartoon-style works before evolving into a deeper art, fueled by sincere and intimate emotions. His artistic and personal journey is marked by a tragic event that occurred over 30 years ago: a violent car accident that caused a serious spinal cord injury, leaving him almost completely paralyzed. Although his body was severely affected, Elmer was able to retain the use of his left bicep, enough to move around in an electric wheelchair and work with an adapted computer. He immersed himself in Photoshop from the beginning, mastering the tools to express his creativity.

His artistic inclination didn’t come out of nowhere. As a child, he grew up in a creative environment, with his mother creating 3D murals. However, his life was fraught with challenges, including a struggle with drug addiction. Joining Narcotics Anonymous and following the 12-step program allowed him to find a more spiritual path, as well as his heart, after decades of challenges. He then realized the profound impact the accident had had on his life.

This realization inspired a new artistic direction, working with broken glass, a symbolic material for Elmer. After the accident, the first thing he saw when he opened his eyes was broken glass, and this symbol has become a central metaphor in his art. His recent work highlights themes such as cracks, bones, the spine, but also light and crystals, which symbolize his path to healing and self-discovery. Today, after almost three years of sobriety, Elmer Kouwenberg is a happy man, finding solace and emotional release through his art, which reflects his inner journey and life experience.

• Nationality: NETHERLANDS
• Date of birth : 1968
• Artistic domains: Represented by a Gallery,
• Groups: Contemporary Dutch Artists Artists presented by a gallery