The Artistic Career of Hans Konings

Hans Konings operates within a framework of collective engagement and international exchange. Born in 1950, the Dutch painter has established a presence through his involvement with the Artists’ Initiative/Collective/Incubator R U W ! berlin and R U W ! nl. This membership is not a mere formality; it defines his professional trajectory through collaborative structures. His work is tied to the specific energy of these groups, moving between the Dutch and German art scenes with a consistent, focused intent.

His practice involves significant periods of residency and group participation. In 2013, Konings held an artist-in-residence position in Garz, Germany. This period of concentrated work contributed to his ongoing dialogue with the German landscape and urban environments. He has also been a recurring figure in the RUW! berlin #1-7 series, participating in the 2014, 2015, and 2016 iterations in Berlin. These contributions demonstrate a sustained commitment to the collaborative publishing and exhibition models that characterize his career.

Exhibitions and Solo Shows in Germany

Konings's presence in the German art scene is defined by a series of focused solo engagements, particularly within the Berlin landscape. In 2015, the artist held a solo exhibition at the Petra Rietz Salon Galerie in Berlin. This period of activity was not limited to a single event; the same venue hosted the presentation of FACTS AND FABRICATIONS during that same year. These exhibitions established a consistent footprint in the city, moving beyond mere presence to active participation in the local gallery circuit.

The artist's reach extended beyond the urban center of Berlin into more specialized spaces. In 2013, Konings held a solo exhibition titled THE BERLIN TRIANGLE at Projektraum Garz in Garz, Germany. This residency and subsequent exhibition in Garz marked a significant moment of regional engagement. The work presented during this time reflects a period of intense production and geographic movement between the capital and the surrounding territories.

Artistic Publications and Books

Konings has utilized the printed word to anchor his visual output, moving beyond the singular canvas to establish a documented presence through various monographs and editions. His 2008 book, also titled Hans Könings, functions as a primary record of his practice. This was followed by the 2011 publication Die Andere Geschichte, released through Kerber Verlag in Berlin, Germany. These works demonstrate a commitment to the book as a formal medium for his ideas.

The artist's engagement with the Berlin art scene is further evidenced by his collaborative and serial publications. In 2013, he released Edition 6 via the Berliner Festspiele in Berlin, Germany. This period of productivity continued into the mid-2010s with the release of the R U W ! series. These volumes, specifically R U W ! I, II, III, IV, were published in Berlin, Germany, between 2014 and 2016, providing a structured, chronological look at his ongoing creative output.

Works in Major Museums and Collections

Konings's presence in institutional collections confirms a career built on technical precision across various printmaking and graphic mediums. His output is not merely decorative; it represents a rigorous engagement with the formal constraints of the medium. In 1989, he produced a woodcut series for the Van Abbe Museum Eindhoven, demonstrating a command over the stark, physical demands of relief printing. This was followed by a lithograph series for the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam in 1991, a period where his graphic language became increasingly established within the Dutch museum landscape.

The mid-to-late 1990s saw a continued expansion of his graphic repertoire within significant European institutions. He produced a series of drawings for the Gemeente Museum Den Haag in 1996, a collection that highlights his ability to translate complex ideas into linear form. This was followed in 1998 by a series of drawings and graphics for the Bonnefanten Museum Maastricht. These works demonstrate a consistent ability to navigate the specific requirements of museum-grade printmaking and drawing, maintaining a high standard of execution across different formats and locations.

• Untitled - Museum van Bommel van Dam, Venlo

Where to See the Works Today

To encounter the physical reality of Hans Konings's output, one must look toward established institutional collections. His work Untitled is held within the Museum van Bommel van Dam in Venlo. This presence in a museum setting confirms the lasting relevance of his practice beyond the ephemeral nature of solo exhibitions. His reach extends geographically to the Middle East, evidenced by the painting he produced for the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts in Amman, Jordan, in 2001.

The artist's influence is also documented through specific printed records that function as visual archives. His 2009 catalogus Berliner Männer remains a primary reference for his output in Berlin. Similarly, the 2013 catalogus Schwarz auf Weiss for Der Tagesspiegel provides a concrete look at his contributions to the Berlin art scene during that period. These publications ensure that his visual language remains accessible even when his physical works are not on public display.