1979, lives and works at Sassenheim

Frank Ammerlaan (Sassenheim, 1979) is a Dutch artist who graduated in Arts from The Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam (2007) and holds a Master’s degree in Painting from the Royal College of Art in London (2012). Ammerlaan has a particular interest in the potential of his materials, the effects of color, and the suggestion of time and space, emphasizing the tension between the presence of physical matter and the suggestion of ephemeral experiences. His interest in materiality began during his technical studies in wood and furniture in Amsterdam.

For the artist, matter is not a passive spectator; rather, it is an active participant, a co-author of his work, possessing a dynamic energy that transforms and deteriorates. His practice reveals a dialogue between the macroscopic and microscopic scales, deeply intertwined with phenomenological experiences. Ammerlaan can be seen as a contemporary alchemist, understanding alchemy as an act of creation. His work frequently explores the tension between scientific fascination and uncertainty, coupled with constant experimentation with materials and techniques, ranging from paints and textiles to chemical elements.

The concept of creation lies at the core of Ammerlaan’s practice, pushing the boundaries of painting. He explores line construction, molds lead sheets into wall sculptures, and creates oil spill paintings, skillfully crafting unexpected forms. His research embodies relentless experimentation with diverse materials, with geometry playing an essential role in his production. Ammerlaan has received prestigious awards, including the Publication Grant from the Mondriaan Foundation (2017), the De Scheffer Award, Netherlands (2013), the Royal Award for Painting, Netherlands (2012), and the Land Securities Studio Award from the Royal College of Art, London (2012).

Notable solo exhibitions include: “Espelho da Matéria” (2023), Simões de Assis, Curitiba; “BODY ARMOR” (2020), Upstream Gallery, Amsterdam; “Iron Mountain” (2020), Simões de Assis, Curitiba; “Upstream Focus” (2020), Upstream Gallery, Amsterdam; “Particles of Dust” (2017), Upstream Gallery, Amsterdam; “Moonless” (2016), Bose & Baum Gallery, London; “Faith by Proxy” (2015), Upstream Gallery, Amsterdam; and “Outside the Wireframe” (2015), SIM Galeria, Curitiba.

His group exhibitions include: “Bienal de Curitiba” (2017), MON – Museu Oscar Niemeyer, Curitiba; “Drawing Biennial” (2017), Drawing Room, London; “Desire of the Other” (2015), Annka Kultys Gallery, London; “Absence, Looking for Hammershøi” (2015), David Risley Gallery, Copenhagen; “Open Studio’s” (2015), Pivô, São Paulo; “IDFA – International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam” (2014); “Open Cube” (2013), White Cube Gallery, London; and “Painting without Paint” (2012), David Risley Gallery, Copenhagen.

Ammerlaan’s work is part of significant private collections and museums, including the Centraal Museum Utrecht, Kunstmuseum Den Haag, Museum Voorlinden, and the Stedelijk Museum Schiedam.