Stefan Gross

Stefan Gross

Stefan Gross (b. 1964, Bendorf, Germany) is an innovative artist currently based in the Netherlands. His career began with an apprenticeship in stained glass manufacture, which culminated in becoming a master of the craft in 1988. Seeking to further explore the boundaries of art, Gross continued his studies at the Art Academy HBK Saar in Saarbrücken, where his experimentation with materials and form took shape.

Oil Plastic and 3D Painting

In 2006, Gross pioneered his signature material, ‘oil plastic’, a fusion of industrial plastic dyed with classic oil paints. This hybrid material acts as both surface and paint, allowing him to extend the two-dimensional canvas into the realm of 3D painting and sculpture. The translucent, glass-like quality of oil plastic at low temperatures enables Gross to transform his vibrant, colorful compositions into dynamic, tactile forms. By working primarily with recycled plastic, he explores the intersection of the man-made and the natural, creating a unique dialogue between nature-inspired forms and kunststof (plastic).

Sci-Fi Rococo and Nature-Machine Fusion

Gross' work often embodies a playful yet critical take on contemporary society, blending Scifi Rococo aesthetics with themes of societal decay and industrial excess. His use of plastic as a material reflects the synthetic world we inhabit, while his depictions of colorful, extravagant floral arrangements—often called "flower bonanzas"—offer a lush, exaggerated reflection of nature. These works present a surreal fusion of the nature-machine dichotomy, critiquing a society driven by endless growth while celebrating the beauty and complexity of man-made materials.

Through his vivid, expressive use of color and form, Gross captures the tension between industrial production and the natural world, presenting a striking vision of the future that is both cautionary and celebratory.

Education

• 1981-1990: Completed an apprenticeship, followed by roles as a practitioner and master in stained glass manufacturing.
• 1991-1996: Studied at the Art Academy in Saarbruecken, Germany.

Collections

• Boijmans van Beuningen, Rotterdam
• Van den Broek Foundation

Stefan Gross's work is held in notable collections, reflecting his recognition and influence within the contemporary art feild.

LAM Lisse

photo: thijs wolzak