Ellen Holleman is a Dutch painter, mixed-media artist, and spatial designer whose multidisciplinary career bridges the worlds of art, urban design, and public engagement. After earning her degree in Spatial Design from the Utrecht School of the Arts, Holleman began her artistic journey as a muralist at Cancún’s Mexico Mágico theme park, where she discovered her passion for painting and the transformative potential of colour.

Following her time in Mexico, Holleman spent over 25 years as a spatial designer, specializing in urban planning and public space revitalization. As co-founder of Islant atelier, her urban design studio, she collaborated on projects that emphasized citizen participation, co-creation, and the enhancement of “dear places”—sites of collective memory within urban environments. Holleman’s work in urban design continues to inform her art, shaping the themes she explores in her paintings.

In her studio practice, Holleman employs traditional oil painting techniques alongside contemporary approaches such as collage and photography. Her work delves into themes inspired by her urban design expertise, including community, memory, and human connections to space and place.

Holleman’s artistic career gained momentum in 2020 when she returned to painting full-time. Since then, her work has been exhibited widely in the Netherlands and internationally. Highlights include solo exhibitions, features in The Huts Magazine and Arts to Hearts Magazine, participation in the International Artes Exhibition in Turin (where she won third prize in the figurative painting section), the Every Woman Biennial in New York and selection as a finalist for the Women United Art Prize. She is also represented in directories such as Women United Art Movement and the Art Queens Society.

Artist Statement

My work reflects my passion for exploring the world around me and my commitment to capturing the beauty and complexity of the human experience. Inspired by the Dutch painters of the 17th century, whose techniques deeply influence my practice, I am drawn to the rich tapestry of daily urban life. The people, places, and fleeting moments of the city are a constant source of inspiration. With each piece, I mindfully engage with these elements to create visual narratives that resonate on both personal and collective levels.

By merging the timeless techniques of the Old Dutch Masters with a contemporary perspective and an expressive, interpretive colour palette, I explore profound themes such as loneliness, migration, inequality, and our relationship with nature. My paintings aim to transport viewers into the scene, evoking a sense of presence and emotional connection. Through my art, I strive to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the intricate connections that shape our world.

Sustainability is a cornerstone of my artistic practice. I am committed to exploring circular methods and materials, integrating reused and sustainable resources wherever possible. Currently, I work on small panels crafted from reclaimed oakwood sourced from old buildings. This approach not only enhances the narrative and tactile quality of my work but also reflects my dedication to environmentally responsible artmaking. By intertwining tradition with sustainability, I aim to create works that are both timeless and conscious of the future.