The artistic practice of sculptor Frode Bolhuis is signified by an interdisciplinary interest in history, narrative and transiency. His sculptures, consisting of materials like textiles, self-made clays and bright pigments, are full of meaning, yet not to be unraveled completely. Figurines, masks and objects of relic-like proportions form the core of his playful oeuvre, shifting between endless phantasy and traceable non-fiction. The figures belong together but at the same time they all are in a world of their own, dancing without taking notice of anyone else, some exuberantly, others quietly with their eyes closed.
After first making rather roughly finished bronze sculptures, for a while he made stylized sculptures moulded in Acrylic One. Currently, working in clay has made his figures a little rougher again; you can almost follow his hand. His studio is loaded with colourful sheets of paper, clay, washi tape, fabric and sewing notions. ‘I’m crazy about material. Working on several things at the same time is my way of coming up with something.’ Whatever material Frode chooses for his sculptures, the surface is always very important. In his two-dimensional work, fine knife cuts and three-dimensional elements form reliefs – even when using materials that are less usual for him, such as canvas or paper, he remains a sculptor.
Frode Bolhuis, born 1979 in Enschede, lives and works in his self-built house and studio in Almere. He has obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts from both the St. Oswald’s Academy in London and the Academy Minerva in Groningen, and currently teaches at the Design Academy Eindhoven. Frode has been exhibiting his art since 2004. His works have been shown in museums across The Netherlands (Museum de Fundatie, Museum Waterland, Museum Nairac, Kunstmuseum Den Haag) and in the Tokiwa Museum in Ube City, Japan. His art has also been exhibited in numerous galleries throughout The Netherlands and occasionally abroad. As an artist represented by Galerie Bart, Frode has participated in various national and international art fairs.
Frode exhibits sculptures of various sizes and materials, making him a versatile and multifaceted artist. He uses this range of works to transfer emotions concerning the human experience and, with his clean style and soft colours, creates refined and magical environments.
His works can be found in several corporate collections including KPMG, Eneco and Menzis, and public, museum and private collections. In addition, many municipalities have asked Frode to create artwork or designs for the public space.
Stages of incomprehension
A contagious affair
08.01 Hi Fructose The Figurative Sculptures of Frode Bolhuis by Andy Smith.
29.08 Het Parool Gallery Viewer by Manuela Klerkx and Oscar van Gelderen.
17.11 Textielplus Frode Bolhuis toont met “A Contagious Affair” textiel werk by Herma Meere.
Frode Bolhuis ‘Nothing but a Feeling’, published by Museum Nairac and Galerie Wilms.