MICHIEL FOLKERS, ARTIST

In MASTERS Gallery you step into a renowned art gallery for a moment. Michiel Folkers evolved from graffiti artist to accomplished painter, working on commissions both domestically and internationally.

In MASTERS Gallery you imagine yourself for a moment in a renowned art gallery. Michiel Folkers emerged from graffiti sprayer to recognized street artist. His work often consists of scratched posters of the dark Amsterdam walls and he mainly works with old, robust materials. Text: Larissa Schaule Jullens
Image: Michiel Folkers

It's a sin to be tired

“This work was made with, among other things, a spray can, acrylic paint and... street posters. This posters I collect from the Amsterdam walls and use it as a basis for many of my works. Mine art always has something raw, but also something warm. The combination of different media It can sometimes look intense, but if you look at it longer you will still feel peace and balance. In addition to the street posters, graffiti is a technique that is often reflected in my works: the only real creative training I received in the past was on the street. It's a sin to be tired by Kate Moss I sold in the USA where almost all my art goes.”

Bear 034

“This work was created by an old, second-hand teddy bear to be dipped in special ink. Then I press the bear hard on paper. Many people feel kind of sorry for the bear. It is also a sad sight, such an inky black one stuffed animal after the process. But precisely with this artwork I immortalize the bear, which would otherwise be thrown away. I can make up to six prints of each bear. Some print in an abstract form, and others will be more realistic so you can see every hair clearly. It is always a surprise what is left on paper. Unfortunately I throw three quarters of the graphic works away because they are not attractive enough.”

Cherry Cool

“This is one of my last works: 3600 dice acrylic sheet. Quite a challenge to make, but with a very satisfying result. A dice is a work of art in itself, let alone if there are 3600 together. Each die weighs a few grams, but this makes 3600 dice artwork virtually unbearable. The works I work with dice create its always music related. I import the dice from China and the manufacturer thinks I own a casino in Europe.”

Please here a look at Michiel Folkers' website.