BIOGRAPHY
Ralph Roelse (b. 1984, Eersel, the Netherlands) is a Dutch contemporary artist who works across a range of media, including painting, photography, drawing, collage, and video. His work delves into themes of metamorphosis, temporality, power, and violence, often exploring the interplay between these concepts.
Roelse's creative journey began at the age of 12 when he discovered his passion for graffiti and its ability to express his individuality. He honed his skills at the SintLucas School of Art & Design in Boxtel and later earned a BFA from the Academy of Art & Design AKV St. Joost in Den Bosch, with an emphasis on conceptualism.
Currently based in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, Roelse draws inspiration from the industrial landscapes that intersect at the borders of Belgium and Germany. By blending acts of defacement with painterly expression he illuminates the connection between the primitive and the technological, as well as the digital and the physical.
Roelse's unique perspective as both an artist and curator inspired the launch of New Dutch Minimalism. The movement made its debut in 2023 with an exhibition at KEVN in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, featuring a range of ten promising Dutch artists who embrace minimalism.
CV
EDUCATION
2005 - 2009 Bachelor of Fine Arts, Academy of Art & Design AKV St. Joost, Den Bosch, NL
2000 - 2004 Visual Communication Design, SintLucas School of Art & Design, Boxtel, NL
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2017 THEY JUST DON’T GET IT, Stedelijk Museum Breda, Breda, NL
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2024 CARGO, Hochschule für Gestaltung, Offenbach, DE
2024 BREAK IT DOWN, Museum iCOON, Hoek van Holland, NL
2024 WITH ONE EYE OPEN, Pennings Foundation, Eindhoven, NL
2024 URBAN ART BIENNALE, Völklinger Hütte World Cultural Heritage Site, Völklingen, DE
2024 TRANSCENDENTAL LANDSCAPES, Museum Jan Heestershuis, Schijndel, NL
2023 WALLSHOW, Diamant Offenbach: Museum of Urban Culture, Offenbach, DE
2023 ANTIGOON x BAROEM x RALPH ROELSE, De Fabriek, Eindhoven, NL
2023 NEW DUTCH MINIMALISM, Kelderman en van Noort, Eindhoven, NL
2021 GLASHARD, Stedelijk Museum Schiedam, Schiedam, NL
2021 ANTIGOON x RALPH ROELSE, Dutch Design Week, Eindhoven, NL
2016 ABSOLUTE EVENT HORIZON, Schunck, Heerlen, NL
2016 FIRE SALE, Goodspace Gallery, Sydney, AUS
2011 TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT, Van Abbe Museum, Eindhoven, NL
2011 ACT/OUT, Onomatopee, Eindhoven, NL
2010 MNEMONIC, KEVN, Eindhoven, NL
CURATORIAL PROJECTS
2024 MINIM.AL, with Anne Truitt in Mind, Museum iCOON, Hoek van Holland, NL
2023 NEW DUTCH MINIMALISM, Kelderman en van Noort, Eindhoven, NL
PUBLICATIONS
2021 A Place Called X, Oct. 16th, NL
2018 i-D Magazine, Jul. 17th, NL
2017 Glamcult, Jul. 4th, NL
2016 i-D Magazine, Jul. 18th, NL
2015 Juxtapoz, Jun. 19th, US
2015 VICE, Jun. 19th, NL
2015 Spraybeast, Mar. 5th, UK
2015 Juxtapoz, Mar. 1st, US
2015 VICE, Feb. 18th, NL
2015 SAM Magazine, Issue #2, NL
2014 VICE, Dec. 22th, NL
2014 Vltramarine, Aug. 8th, RUS
2014 Acclaim Magazine, Jul. 7th, AUS
LECTURES / PRESENTATIONS
2017 SintLucas School of Art & Design, Eindhoven, NL
FUNDS / GRANDS
2021-2023 Emoves Masters, NL
2021-2022 Cultuur Eindhoven, NL
2021 Constant van Renesse Fund, NL
OTHER ACTIVITIES
2015 - Ongoing Commercial Photographer
2015 - 2018 VICE / Photojournalist
2015 - 2017 George & Harrison / Visual Design Manager
2015 - 2016 This Is Our House / Photo Editor
2010 - 2012 Onomatopee / Assistant Curator
COMMISSIONED WALL PAINTINGS
2023 Municipality of Eindhoven, Eindhoven, NL
COMMISSIONED PHOTOGRAPHY
⟶ Discover Portfolio and Additional Information