The 10 Contemporary Dutch Artists to Watch

The Netherlands continues to be a breeding ground for innovation in art—not just through its historical legends like Rembrandt and Van Gogh, but also through a bold and diverse range of contemporary artists. This list blends museum-acclaimed names with those making waves in public spaces and social media.

Here are 10 contemporary Dutch artists you should definitely know—plus where to see their work.

🎨 1. Rineke Dijkstra

Medium: Photography
Known For: Intimate portraiture of adolescence, identity, and transformation.
Where to see:

  • Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam
  • Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
  • Museum De Pont, Tilburg
  • MoMA, New York

💎 2. Joseph Klibansky

Medium: Sculpture, painting
Known For: Glossy, surreal sculptures mixing luxury and pop culture.
Where to see:

  • Museum Beelden aan Zee, The Hague
  • Large-scale works in public spaces
  • Private exhibitions, studio in Amsterdam

🧠 3. Mark Manders

Medium: Sculpture, installation
Known For: Fragmented figures and poetic architectural forms.
Where to see:

  • Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo
  • Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam
  • Museum Voorlinden, Wassenaar
  • MoMA, New York

💥 4. Folkert de Jong

Medium: Sculpture
Known For: Life-sized, haunting figures using foam and wax.
Where to see:

  • Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam
  • Groninger Museum
  • Museum Beelden aan Zee
  • Saatchi Gallery, London

📸 5. Erwin Olaf († 2023)

Medium: Photography
Known For: Stylized, cinematic scenes exploring beauty, grief, and Dutch culture.
Where to see:

  • Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
  • Kunstmuseum (The Hague)
  • FOAM, Amsterdam
  • Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam

🪩 6. Viviane Sassen

Medium: Photography
Known For: Surreal, abstract compositions often set in Africa.
Where to see:

  • FOAM, Amsterdam
  • Huis Marseille, Amsterdam
  • Stedelijk Museum
  • Exhibited internationally

🏗️ 7. Joep van Lieshout / Atelier Van Lieshout

Medium: Sculpture, architecture
Known For: Provocative installations and functional sculptures.
Where to see:

  • Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Rotterdam
  • Kröller-Müller Museum
  • Van Abbemuseum, Eindhoven

💡 8. Guido van der Werve

Medium: Performance, film, music
Known For: Emotionally intense video works exploring isolation and endurance.
Where to see:

  • Stedelijk Museum
  • EYE Filmmuseum, Amsterdam
  • Museum De Pont, Tilburg

👩🎤 9. Alicia Framis

Medium: Multidisciplinary
Known For: Feminist and social-engagement art projects
Where to see:

  • Stedelijk Museum
  • Boijmans Van Beuningen
  • MACBA, Barcelona
  • Biennales worldwide

🌀 10. Marijke van Warmerdam

Medium: Video, photography
Known For: Poetic film loops of clouds, falling hats, and paper.
Where to see:

  • Stedelijk Museum
  • Kröller-Müller Museum
  • Museum De Pont

Final Thoughts

From gallery walls to city squares, these artists show that Dutch creativity is thriving far beyond the Golden Age. Whether you're visiting Amsterdam, The Hague, or smaller cities like Tilburg or Wassenaar, keep an eye out for these visionaries.