Rein Kooyman brings the subtle patterns of nature into focus by placing ordinary, unnoticed natural objects at the center. By using simple materials like stones and organic matter, he urges the audience to reconnect with the quiet, often overlooked elements of nature in a continuous pursuit to simplify life. In a world burdened by overproduction, digital distractions and urban chaos, his meditative approach based on repetition and reflection inspires a return to slowness and intentionality. The relationship between Kooyman and the mountain landscape in which he repeatedly returns never bores, always revealing more detailed and deeper layers. The fragility of the seasons remind him that everything is in a constant motion and nothing is predetermined. By embracing stillness and by noticing the natural world around us, Kooyman believes we can find a deeper connection to life itself.
(06-03-1992)
Selected Exhibitions:
2026 Rolling Snowball
Group exhibition at Contemporary art museum ARS LONGA, Iceland
2026 A growing Commons for city wildlife and community
Garden opening Govert Flinckstraat 286, INDEBT Amsterdam
2026 Navigating the Unseen
Solo exhibition at Stichting Indebt, Amsterdam
2025 A House Is Not A Home
Solo exhibition at Josilda da Conceição, Amsterdam
2025 Navigating the Unseen
Solo exhibition at Kunsthuis Waterland, Purmerend
2024 Focus Art Fair
Group exhibition at Saatchi Gallery, London, UK
2024 Les Palets
Group exhibition in France
2023 OKA Foundation
Group exhibition at OKA foundation, Amsterdam
2023 Less Walls, More Bridges
Group exhibition at Stichting Indebt, Amsterdam
2022 This Too Shall Pass
Solo exhibition at Het Nieuwe Instituut, Rotterdam
Upcoming exhibitions:
Unfair Amsterdam, Westergasfabriek, Amsterdam - 17th till 20th of September 2026
Chinese European Art Center, China, Xiamen - March, 2nd 2027
Publications:
Volkskrant about the series; This too shall pass. (2022)
NRC magazine about the series; This too shall pass (2022)
De Optimist This too shall pass (2022)
Colossal about Navigating the Unseen (2024)
Noord Hollands dagblad about Navigating the Unseen (2025)
International Marianne Brandt Award nominee (2022)
Aesthetica art price Long list (2025)
Supported by:
Amsterdamse fondsen voor kunsten (AFK)
Mondriaan Fonds
Stichting Stokroos
Waterschap Amstel gooi en het vecht
Gemeente Amsterdam