Barbara Houwers (1958)
2020. Essay: “Een Gestalte“‘ by Ellen Röling ( we work on the translation).
2018. A biography has been written by Art Historian Diana Kostman.
Work
Early on in Barbara Houwers’ oeuvre, the human figure is the theme that would prove to be a deep source of inspiration over the years. The “Gestalte” is depicted in her paintings in strength and vulnerability. For anyone who recognizes themselves in it. Over the years, sub-themes arise, such as connection, love and baggage as a metaphor for life itself. Houwers developed in the paintings and works on paper a personal and recognizable visual language with a unique layering. Her work finds its way into galleries, institutions and collections around the world.
In recent works we see that the human figure enters into an expressive relationship with the space. Space itself becomes the subject of new series and investigative projects. Houwers takes up her theme in new techniques. In sculpting she finds a logical, spatial addition to painting. By ‘zooming out’ on the theme, Houwers enters a new dimension. The “Stature” continues; in abstracted and repetitive structures. Work in which the power of connection ultimately becomes the power of the image. Read more…
Public profile:
Exhibitions and archive
Publications and press
Education:
1976-1982. Visual arts teachers Training Academy Utrecht-Amersfoort.
1990-1992. HKU-Utrecht School of the arts.
1992. Start professional practice.
Non profit:
2001-now. Boardmember Dooyewaard Foundation.
2005-2015. President (founding committee) Artist foundation Gooise Kunstkring.
2010-2015. President organisation for Female entrepreneurs: Entre Femmes-Gooi.
1984-2015. Art Advice, selection and exhibition committees.
2015: Appointed as Member in the Order of Orange-Nassau by His Majesty The King of The Netherlands.