Willem Vos, a celebrated Dutch artist renowned for his audacious approach to contemporary art, crafts pieces distinguished by their commanding scale, vibrant colors, impactful presence, and profound depth of meaning. Guided by the principle “Art is Freedom. I make Art,” Vos’s creations bear witness to the myriad experiences shaping his artistic journey. Over the past four years, his body of work has garnered global recognition, marking a remarkable evolution both personally and artistically.
Since the Taliban regime took control of Afghanistan in 2021, those working in archives, museums, cultural heritage sites, film and television, music, visual arts, performing arts, literature and arts education have faced the threats of persecution. Punishments have been meted out including extrajudicial killings, arrests, arbitrary detention and public humiliation while arts and cultural institutions, including museums and archives, have been either nearly or completely shut down.
The Artistic Freedom Initiative (AFI) urgently called for the safety of Afghan artists who are categorically persecuted by the Taliban as demonstrated in a new report launched today: Artistic Exodus: Afghan Artists Fleeing Taliban Rule. The report, produced in partnership with UC Berkeley Law Pro Bono Program, brings to light the abuse of people working in music, visual arts, performing arts, film and television, literature, museums, cultural heritage sites and arts education since the regime regained control of Afghanistan two years ago.ย
Renowned Dutch artist Willem Vos is embarking on a cultural odyssey to China as he collaborates with the Hong Art Museum in Chongqing and Pashmin Art Consortia from Germany to present their highly anticipated exhibition, “Transcendence: A Fusion of Art and Culture.” The exhibition will run from November 28, 2023, to February 28, 2024. This immersive showcase of contemporary artistic expressions promises to transport visitors into a vibrant tapestry of European cultural heritage, brought to life in the heart of Chongqing, China.
Robert S. Duncanson (1821-1872), was a Black Hudson River School artist who painted the American South before the Civil War. Widely famous during his lifetime, this artistโs forgotten courageous journey through the antebellum South has never been exhibited or researched until now. Duncanson brilliantly created captivating landscape paintings that come alive to the viewer, by focusing on the minute details of nature and of the stories he wished to communicate. Robert Duncansonโs American scenes of the South often included Underground Railroad imagery and the mountain ridge lines that could be followed as pathways to the North. Many of his paintings were highly landmark driven with details that make these vistas identifiable today. Is it possible that Duncanson painted these historical landmarks to lead the enslaved people of America to freedom? Art historian Michael Meyer believes it is possible.
“You have to be business-minded. Try to understand that everyone in this world wants to make money. Including you and your artworks. You are part of the art world, you have to be able to embrace that.”
Willem Vos is an enterprising new artist from the Netherlands. After selling his international company, he threw himself completely into making art and selling his works. Mainly because of Willemโs choice to live a different life he has become an inspiration for people that want to successfully change course as well. His artworks are powerful and quite large, they are full of color, energy, and meaning. Clearly Willem has an impressive talent and high potential, which is why The World Art News is pleased to share Part 2 of his First Exclusive Interview with our global audience.
“Intense friendships, profound conversations, love, sex, feelings of connection, my fears and letting go of people.ย All the feelings and emotions I store and sometimes experience more violently than ever. I don’t run away from them anymore – I put them on canvas.”
Willem Vos is an enterprising new artist from the Netherlands. After selling his international company, he threw himself completely into making art. His artworks are powerful and quite large, they are full of color, energy, and meaning. Clearly Willem has an impressive talent and high potential, which is why The World Art News is pleased to share Part 1 of his First Exclusive Interview with our global audience.
