Johannes van Vugt – Artist Profile and WorkJohannes van Vugt is a Dutch artist, born in Rijswijk (North Brabant), currently living and working in Amsterdam. He studied at the Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten in Amsterdam (1980–1981) and the St. Joost School of Art & Design in Breda (1981–1985). After graduating, he received an honorable mention at the national graduation exhibition "Start `85".
Artistic Style and Themes
Van Vugt is known for his paintings that serve as visual memories, often based on personal photographs or historical images. His work has a cinematic quality, featuring a subdued color palette and a strong focus on light and composition. He explores themes such as youth, loss, memory, and identity, blending autobiographical elements with collective experiences. His paintings are often presented as a series, resembling a storyboard or photo album, which enhances their narrative power.
Exhibitions and International Recognition
Van Vugt has exhibited his work in the Netherlands, Greece, South Korea, France, and Cyprus. In 2023, he presented his solo exhibition "The Road" at Gloria Gallery in Nicosia, inspired by the poem "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost. This exhibition explored the choices that shape the path of life, focusing on childhood memories and the transition to adulthood.
Personal Vision
Van Vugt sees art as a means of gaining insight into life’s transitions. He uses emotional engagement to question contemporary ideas about religion, art, history, and social identity. His work invites reflection on both personal and universal experiences, confronting the viewer with both joy and sorrow.
EDUCATION
* Rijksacademie voor Beeldende Kunsten Amsterdam
(1980-1981) The Netherlands
* Academie voor Beeldende Kunsten St. Joost Breda
(1981-1985)The Netherlands
AWARD
“Start 85” Jury award ”honorable mention” Apeldoorn.
WORK IN COLLECTION
Museum de Beyerd Breda
Gorcums Museum Gorinchem
CBK Dordrecht
CBK Amsterdam
Collection AMZU Utrecht
Dutch Institute Athens Greece
National Museum of Jeju South Korea
Private collectors
CURRENT GALLERIES
Suzanne Biederberg Gallery Amsterdam
Gloria Gallery Nicosia Cyprus
BIBLIOGRAPHY
* 2023 Maria Panayiotou "Johanes van Vugt" Newspaper Phileleftheros
* 2023 Eleni Philippou "The Road" Cyprus Mail
* 2022 Eleni Philippou "Collective memory" Cyprus Mail
* 2019 Fred Mertens "Kunstmanifestatie Culturele Route" Gorcumse Courant juni 2019
* 2018 Maria Panayiotou " Double painted autobiography " Phileleftheros (Nicosia, Cyprus)
* 2016 Herman Haverkate " Meer dan een moment" Tubantia Twentse Courant 17 oktober
* 2012 Gabrielle de Nijs Bik ` Kunst als bril om naar erfgoed te kijken` Nieuwe Veluwe Nr 4
* 2012 Jan Pieter Ekker Parool Kunst & Media ` Prettige relikwieën uit ieders jeugd` 20 april
* 2012 Rob Perrée `Johannes van Vugt` review Kunstbeeld NL EXPO April 2012
* 2011 Pavlina Paraskevaidou, `Relocation of Cultures` catalogue `Walk of Truth`
* 2008 Esther Darley “Johannes van Vugt` review Kunstbeeld NL April 2008
* 2008 Piet Hartman “Johannes van Vugt op zoek naar de zalm” review Algemeen Dagblad
* 2008 Piet Augustijn “Wie zalm eet, eet moed, beleid en trouw”review Brabants Dagblad
* 2005 Jacqueline Bot “Hendrick Hamel terug in Gorcum” review Utrechts Nieuwsblad
* 2005 Jan Donia /Johannes van Vugt “Happy Days”catalogue
* 2005 Arjan Reinders ’’Johannes van Vugt- De Opening’’ review Kunstbeeld NL 2005
* 2004 Jan Donia / Rien Robijns “Desire/Het Verlangen” catalogue
* 2003 Niki van Baalen “Dutch Variations on Greece” catalogue Athens Greece
* 2002 Kreszner/Augustijn “twee eeuwen Gorcum in beeld” catalogue Gorcum
* 2001 Piet Augustijn “Stad bekeken door nieuwe bril” review Gorcumse Courant
* 2000 P. Augustijn “Het leven van Johannes van Vugt” review Brabants Dagblad
* 1999 Pasquale Celona ‘’Biennale Internazionale dell’Arte Contemporana’’ Firenze Italy
* 1995 P. Augustijn; `Terug In Gorcum” review Gor¬cumse Cou¬rant
* 1996 Godert van Colmjon `alsof het gedrukt staat` publication Snep Offset
* 1995 Eddy van der Meer review”johannes van vugt;schilderijen` Alert, mei 1995
* 1994 Willem Ellenbroek”Babies & bambies” review Volkskrant 7 februari 1994
