ABOUT
Folkert
de Jong

Folkert de Jong is known for his life-size sculptural groups made of Styrofoam and polyurethane foam, used as insulation in construction, architecture, and set design for the Hollywood film industry. With this atypical material for art, derived from the petrochemical industry, De Jong creates remarkably complex tableaus of grotesque worlds that depict power, violence, disaster, and other disturbing aspects of the human condition. Intrigued by the depths of the human soul, the artist draws the viewer into this world where the bizarre and the vulnerable converge. His work often evokes art historical associations alongside contemporary political issues and current concerns, with a sense of a post-apocalyptic future. Over the years, Folkert de Jong’s sculptures have become more technically virtuosic and painterly. His sculptural groups seem to emerge effortlessly from the material. The first sculptures appear rough and unfinished. They are usually monochrome blue and pink, the colors of the Styrofoam material itself. Later, De Jong introduced a richer color palette into his works and cleverly combined figuration, abstraction, and symbols. The figures are often life-size, giving the viewer the opportunity to relate to the sculptures and feel like they are witnessing the compelling, often ominous scenes.