KUIJPERS Gerard

For thirty five years Gerard Kuijpers, autodidact, has been researching the essential qualities of steel, stone glass and wood. In this way he meets the core of his materials, where after he uses the power of their interaction. Glass becomes even more transparent, steel even stronger; while wood obtains more warmth, stone becomes eternal.

In each object he makes, he achieves both cohesion and coherence. Through his creative explosiveness, breathtaking works of art come to life. When it comes to technique, he proves to be an “outside the box” thinker.

Moreover, even more fundamental opposites arise: resistance versus movement, severity versus organic, and usability versus poetry.

Thus, by searching for the limits of materials, he creates objects that radiate simplicity and become timeless.

Gerard Kuijpers: a singular approach

With his artistic approach to furniture, Gerard Kuijpers’ creations are composed of interesting juxtapositions and curiously exciting textures, shapes and materials. Among his best-known works is the “Dancing Stones” series, which features large, rough pieces of black Mazy marble set on steel posts. Kuijpers writes, “‘Dancing Stones’ is the result of a long campaign of cajoling. This work builds on previous monumental works. However, in this work he moves towards an explicit interaction between the viewer and the artwork, honoring the sense of touch.

The materials, steel and stone, reach their ultimate essence. Steel is stronger than ever and stone oozes heaviness. The marble rocks can rotate on the supporting rods, enhancing their powerful dynamism. The purpose of the series is undefined and open to interpretation. Kuijpers’ other works, including vases, chairs and lamps, explore texture and industrial design as extensions of our experience of the natural world. He often uses raw, rough surfaces as counterpoints to smooth, machine-made glass, metal, wood and flowers.