Florentijn de Boer

Florentijn de Boer

Florentijn de Boer (*1993, Voorburg, The Netherlands) is a talented contemporary artist currently based in The Hague. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Art, The Hague (2017), she is known for her vibrant, abstract paintings that merge elements of magical realism with a deep commitment to sustainability. Working primarily with oil-stick on unprepared linen, Florentijn creates dynamic, eco-friendly artworks that invite viewers to engage with art in unconventional ways.

Eco-Friendly Abstract Art on Canvas
Florentijn's choice of unprepared linen reflects her dedication to sustainability. Her works are created using oil pastels, with portions of the linen intentionally left exposed, giving the pieces a raw and dynamic feel. This approach not only reduces the environmental impact but also allows the artist to maintain a close relationship with the material, resulting in fluid compositions that seem to exist in constant motion.

Magical Realism and Transience
Magical realism plays a central role in Florentijn de Boer’s work, particularly in her earlier abstract series, where she blended influences from manga, fantastical landscapes, and otherworldly civilizations. Her recent works, however, shift toward more figurative compositions, focusing on still life paintings of flowers suspended in a momentary state between life and decay. These layered compositions emphasize themes of transience, with the artist freezing fleeting moments of beauty in time, as if capturing the essence of flowers in their brief bloom before their inevitable decline. Subtle hints of movement within the works suggest that the flowers or fabric might shift with the passage of time, evoking the natural effects of sunlight and the ephemerality of life.

Spatial Patterns and Abstract Exploration
Florentijn’s recent works explore abstract representations of flowers and landscapes, often influenced by reliefs, mosaic floors, and tile patterns she encountered in Italy. In these paintings, she digitally manipulates patterns—cutting, pasting, and overlapping elements to create layered compositions. This technique allows her to explore spatial depth and add a dreamlike quality to her work. Works like Touch Nothing Never Nowhere exemplify her ability to create abstract narratives, where recognizable floral forms evolve into vibrant, dynamic shapes suspended in an ethereal landscape.

Abstract Oil Pastel Flowers and Plants
Florentijn's preferred medium, oil pastels, helps her transform the natural world into abstract forms. Her creative process involves multiple stages, gradually transforming recognizable flowers and plants into abstract representations. As she describes it, her goal is to "keep drawing until all reality disappears from the image." What remains are colorful, energetic compositions that capture the fleeting essence of nature frozen in time, offering a thoughtful reflection on the beauty and transience of life.

A Commitment to Sustainability and Artistic Expression
Florentijn de Boer's work appeals to contemporary art enthusiasts and institutions who value eco-friendly practices and innovative artistic expression. Her ability to merge magical realism with thoughtful exploration of materials and nature makes her a distinctive voice in the art world.

Education

• 2013–2017: Royal Academy of Art, The Hague – Fine Arts (Painting)
• 2016: Accademia di Belle Arti di Carrara, Italy – Fine Arts (Sculpture)

Collections

• NN (Nationale-Nederlanden)
• Deloitte

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