Gallery Persoon and the Oogenlust Concept Store in southern Netherlands are hosting a major solo exhibition featuring Dutch photographic artist Hans Withoos, running until October 18, 2025. The vibrant exhibition, titled "The Joy of Life," showcases 75 magical realistic artworks, including the artist's most recent creations, at the inspiring Domain Oogenlust location in Eersel, nestled in the Brabant countryside.
Withoos, described as a born romanticist and passionate storyteller, demonstrates a deep fascination with beauty in all its forms, with inclusivity playing a prominent role in his work. His photographic paintings are characterized by multiple layers, careful staging, and alienating aesthetics that create a unique dream world of abundance and artificiality, infused with hope and positivity.
A highlight of the exhibition is the "Withoos meets Withoos" series, where the contemporary photographer ingeniously combines still lifes and townscapes created by his distant ancestor, 17th-century painter Mathias Withoos, with his own surrealistic imagery. By incorporating models, flowers, butterflies, and birds into these historical works, Hans Withoos brings the paintings to life, creating an intriguing interweaving of past and present where two artists from different centuries meet through art.
In celebration of Oogenlust's 45th anniversary, a special experience space will be created during the exhibition period. From September 11 through October 5, visitors will have the opportunity to view the award-winning short film "The World of Withoos," along with 45 additional photographic artworks, original set pieces, fabrics, and clothing designed by Hans Withoos himself.
The exhibition's festive opening will feature a performance by the modern ballet company Introdans, and Withoos will launch a new book to commemorate the occasion. Born in Son en Breugel in 1962, Hans Withoos studied textile design and photography at the Academy of Visual Arts in Tilburg and has been living and working in Rotterdam since 1990.
With over 35 years of photography experience, Withoos exhibits internationally and has established himself as a significant figure in contemporary art. His work has been featured in major exhibitions at prestigious venues including the Westfries Museum in Hoorn (2018), Museum Flehite in Amersfoort (2021-2022), and Stadhuismuseum Zierikzee (2025). Additionally, his autonomous work has been presented at leading international art fairs such as KunstRAI, PAN Amsterdam, Scope Miami, and VOLTA Basel, cementing his reputation in the global art market.
