Arie Otten (1954), hailing from Apeldoorn, Netherlands, is a self-taught visual artist whose work takes viewers on a captivating journey through the realms of abstract painting. With an unwavering passion and a spirit of artistic freedom, Otten fearlessly experiments with various techniques and materials, including acrylics, oils, and organic pigments. Starting with a blank canvas or panel, he embarks on a creative odyssey, allowing his ideas to take shape through experimentatio
One piece by Otten is “Circular Economy.” This artwork, measuring W 153 x H 125 cm, is crafted from a used billboard sourced from The Boschbad in Apeldoorn, Netherlands, the largest outdoor swimming pool in the country. Otten intentionally left the screw holes visible in the painting to showcase the material’s history and significance to him.
The Boschbad holds a special place in Otten’s heart, as it was where he spent many days swimming during his youth. It was a place filled with memories of his first love experiences and adventures in the forest. Unknowingly, these experiences seeped into his artwork, rendering it with personal nostalgia and depth.
Ms. Angelica Semmelbauer, a renowned New York Art Advisor, describes “Circular Economy” as a wonderful and striking work. Otten’s ability to infuse personal history and emotion into his art adds layers of meaning and resonance to his abstract creations.
Otten’s approach to art is refreshing and authentic. He embraces the imperfections and histories of his materials, weaving them into the fabric of his compositions. Through his fearless experimentation and exploration of the human experience, Otten invites viewers to embark on their own journeys of introspection and discovery.
In a world often dominated by conformity and convention, Arie Otten stands out as an artist who boldly charts his own course. His work serves as a testament to the power of artistic expression and the endless possibilities of the abstract form.
