Dirk Bakker - Jan Klaassen with woman in traditional costume

Dirk Bakker (1949-2021) - Jan Klaassen With Wife In Traditional Costume

Dirk Bakker studied at the Vrije Academie in The Hague and at the Ateliers 63 in Haarlem. At the Ateliers 63 he was taught by Ko Westerik. He lived and worked in Alkmaar.

Works by Dirk Bakker are recognizable and beloved. The works of this striking artist have a figurative and surrealistic character. With mostly primary colors and striking (and recognizable) figures, the artist tells a story, makes a statement.

Dirk Bakker likes to place strong complementary colours against each other in a drawing-like manner. In his approach to the background he shows himself to be a nuanced painter. Usually the main characters are alone on the canvas. Attributes around him or her indicate a situation.

Dirk Bakker paints fascinating figures that are somewhere between people and dolls. Often well-known (comic) figures that are placed in the middle of the plane, sometimes floating lonely. Due to the bright and clear colours, Bakker's works at first glance look like performances for children. On closer inspection, they have a double meaning and the viewer is confused.

Bakker: "The symbolic value of figures (...) is immediately recognized by everyone. That simplifies communication and makes my work process more exciting. Because I paint with the feeling that it is actually not allowed."

Dirk Bakker's work has been purchased by various collectors and museums, including the Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar, the Bonnefantenmuseum Maastricht, and the Kruithof Museum 's-Hertogenbosch.

Beautiful and recognizable oil painting from the collection of the Kunstuitleen Alkmaar.