The Artistic Evolution of Ben Akkerman
Born in Enschede, Netherlands, Bernardus Everhardus Akkerman began his creative journey at the age of twelve with a paint box gifted by an uncle. His early works were naturalistic landscapes, often featuring buildings such as factories and barns, frequently inspired by the heathlands near Enschede which he explored on bicycle trips. During these excursions, he also produced small drawings and, starting in 1960, photographs. His work eventually moved toward abstraction, seeking to capture the atmosphere of the landscape. By 1974, the direct references to the landscape had vanished from his work, resulting in a form of pure painting.
Akkerman was a deliberate and thoughtful practitioner with a low production rate, often destroying works that did not meet his approval. His final oeuvre consists of approximately one hundred and fifty paintings, alongside hundreds of drawings and a collection of photographs. He frequently utilized square, thick, canvas-covered panels that he painted on the sides to achieve a sculptural monumentality without the need for frames. His technique often involved applying multiple layers of paint—primarily acrylic, though occasionally oil—which were frequently sanded down and then overpainted with transparent layers.
Style and Recognition
His artistic development progressed toward abstract geometric art, minimal art, and eventually monochrome canvases. In his drawings, he preferred thick paper that allowed him to erase, scratch, and sand the surface, with his later drawings emphasizing lines and hatching. His work is held in several notable collections, including:
Throughout his career, Akkerman received several honors, including the Geraert ter Borchprijs for graphics in 1957 and for painting in 1963, as well as the PC Kunstprijs in 1994.
