Celebrated artist Joris Kuipers has unveiled his latest commissioned installation, BERM, now on view at Canada Goose Amsterdam. Curated by Namara from Canada, this striking piece spans six meters and presents a suspended landscape inspired by the rich tapestry of Dutch flora.
BERM draws from the ever-evolving choreography of roadside plants, such as butterbur, lungwort, and field thistle, transforming these natural forms into a meticulously crafted relief of laser-cut shapes. Each element of this installation is painted in vivid hues and adorned with subtle textures, revealing intricate details that invite close inspection. The composition’s C-shaped flow echoes the dynamic movement reminiscent of Baroque and Rococo art, encouraging viewers to engage with the work as they explore its hidden depths.
For Kuipers, BERM is not merely an artistic endeavor; it resonates personally, evoking cherished memories of his childhood spent among towering vegetation in a space filled with mystery and wonder. This installation serves as both a reflection of his artistic vision and a homage to his formative experiences in nature.
Kuipers’ artistic style is characterized by its lyrical and vibrant qualities, creating a sensory experience that captivates the viewer. As one approaches an installation or wall relief by Kuipers, they find themselves entering a different dimension—a space where the chaotic and random events of life have been captured and meticulously rearranged into animated, lyrical objects of beauty. His hand-drawn, laser-cut slices of imagination assemble into jubilant abstract visions that gracefully extend into the surrounding space, evoking constellations reminiscent of billowing clouds, minerals, and blooming flowers.
From the moment of first encountering Kuipers’ work, viewers are drawn to its colorful impressions that gradually unfold into ever finer detail. Each element features a unique, vibrant surface that captures attention, inviting marvel at the subtle contrasts that highlight an array of hues within a bold yet harmonious palette. Colors such as gold, fluorescent orange, and burnt sienna intermingle with infinite shades of pink, yellow, purple, orange, and red, creating an exuberant visual feast.
Gradients and organic patterns flow freely through every piece, hinting at cellular structures, molds, rusts, and raindrops, all revealing Kuipers’ instinctive painterly command and a spontaneous exuberance of color. Layer upon layer, he adds depth and reflection, expertly guiding and enticing the eye through his vibrant landscapes.
As Kuipers invites the public to engage with BERM, he also looks ahead to future endeavors, hoping to realize his conceptual projects in collaboration with artists and institutions worldwide. Visitors to Canada Goose Amsterdam will not only witness the beauty of BERM but also the promise of what is yet to come from this talented artist.
As summer unfolds, Kuipers wishes everyone a season filled with outdoor adventures—a time to slow down, observe, and reconnect with the rhythms of nature that inspire his work.
Photo credits: The photograph is from the artist’s archive
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