The Life and Training of Ad Gerritsen

Born in Arnhem in 1940, Ad Gerritsen lived a life shaped by the practical and the creative. Before finding his footing as a painter, graphic artist, and collagist, he followed a path that led through the disciplined world of vocational training. He attended an ambachtsschool and even spent time training as a pastry chef, a trade that required a different kind of precision than the one he would later apply to his canvases and prints.

His formal pursuit of fine arts took him to the Academy of Fine Arts in Arnhem. While he immersed himself in the study of art during these formative years, he did not complete his studies at the academy. Instead, he moved forward as an autodidact, developing a visual language that was entirely his own. This self-taught approach allowed him to bypass traditional academic constraints, leading to a body of work that felt deeply personal and uncompromised.

Gerritsen remained connected to his roots in Arnhem throughout his life, eventually working from an atelier in Heveadorp. His transition from the structured environment of a vocational school and a professional kitchen to the more fluid world of mixed media and printmaking reflects a life spent navigating various forms of expression. He eventually became a fixture in the local art scene, leaving behind a legacy that was recognized by his peers and institutions alike.

Artistic Style and Creative Themes

Ad Gerritsen worked exclusively in a figurative style, focusing his gaze on the human form and the complexities of existence. Though he did not complete formal studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Arnhem, he developed a powerful, self-taught approach to painting. His visual language was often described as uncompromising and stubborn, possessing a certain self-willed quality that could feel deeply unsettling to the viewer. He did not shy away from the raw or the uncomfortable, often stripping away artifice to reach the essence of his subjects.

His work centered on the vulnerability of the individual and the quiet tragedies of social marginalization. He turned his attention toward those living on the fringes of society, seeking to understand the people often overlooked or judged by the masses. His canvases and prints frequently featured criminals, psychiatric patients, harassed women, and traumatized children. These figures were often captured in moments of intense emotion, appearing isolated even when surrounded by others. Through these portraits, he offered a painterly commentary on the ways in which humans judge one another, highlighting the prejudice and labels that define our social interactions.

• Dank U Pellizza da Volpedo (1972)
• Jongensportret (1994)

Professional Career and Teaching

Ad Gerritsen’s professional life was deeply intertwined with the social realities he chose to depict. During the 1970s, he worked as a creative therapist, finding himself in the challenging environments of psychiatric wards and prisons. This period allowed him to engage directly with the marginalized individuals who would later become central figures in his art. He spent much of his working life in a studio in Heveadorp, a space where he could focus on his diverse technical interests.

His expertise extended into the academic realm, where he shared his knowledge with others. He served as a lecturer at the AKI in Enschede, focusing on the mixed media department. This role allowed him to influence a new generation of artists through his practical understanding of various techniques. His dedication to his craft and his unique perspective earned him significant recognition within the Dutch art community.

The honors he received reflect the respect his peers held for his uncompromising approach. In 2000, he was awarded the Gelderland Grafiek Prijs, recognizing his skill in printmaking. Later, in 2011, he received the Jeanne Oosting Prijs. These accolades marked a career defined by a steady, singular focus on the human condition.

Where to See His Works Today

The legacy of Ad Gerritsen remains deeply rooted in the institutions of the Netherlands, where his presence is felt through extensive collections. Museum Arnhem holds a significant portion of his output, preserving over 120 of his works. This collection includes fourteen paintings alongside a large number of his silkscreens and linocuts, allowing viewers to see the breadth of his graphic and painterly techniques in one place.

His reach extends to other important repositories, including the Kunstmuseum Den Haag and the Dordrechts Museum. These collections ensure that his explorations of the human condition remain accessible to the public. The Kunstmuseum Den Haag also provided a dedicated space for his work during an exhibition held between 2018 and 2019.

• Dank U Pellizza da Volpedo (1972)
• Jongensportret (1994)
• Winter 1940