Maarten Vrolijk

1966

Based in

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Maarten Vrolijk is a Dutch artist and designer renowned for his vibrant glass sculptures and multidisciplinary creations.

His work emphasizes simplicity and the unexpected, aiming to enrich daily life through thoughtful details. Drawing inspiration from nature, particularly floral forms, Vrolijk's pieces are characterized by bold colors and organic shapes. His art has been exhibited internationally and is included in esteemed collections such as the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

“Even as a child, I was amazed by nature and what they call everyday things—the things that seemed to just pass others by, but which to me became lifelong fascinations”.

Vrolijk's career spans over 25 years, during which he has explored various mediums, including glass, ceramics, and painting. Each discipline informs the next—his paintings influencing his ceramics, which echo in his textiles. The same meticulous composition found in his glass vessels is evident in his woven works, creating a distinct visual language that remains cohesive throughout.

While his forms are often abstracted, his work consistently draws inspiration from the natural world, with flowers and flora serving as a recurring motif. His distinctive glass vessels, adorned with colorful fragments, showcase a mastery of form and material, balancing strength and delicacy.