The paintings and prints of Ans Wortel (1929-1996) were critically acclaimed and acquired by major museums in the 1970s. Her work, imbued with profoundly feminine themes, was immensely popular. The artist became a well-known Dutch figure whose unconventional lifestyle captured everyone’s imagination, including in the village of Bergen, where she lived for twenty years in the villa – now a museum – Kranenburgh.
Bohemienne in Bergen
Ans Wortel
Bold Women
While her colleagues seek innovation in abstract art, Ans Wortel remains true to figuration and develops her own visual language and palette. Her paintings depict robust, robust women, with large hands and eyes, surrounded by surreal landscapes.
Free-spirited
In 1968, the mayor of Bergen offered her villa, Kranenburgh, for sale. Parties at her residence were numerous, and even more so were the stories about her eccentric lifestyle. Her free-spirited life is reflected in the countless drawings and paintings with which she fills Kranenburgh. When, after twenty years, she was forced to leave the villa, she protested vehemently, but in vain.
With a large number of artworks, quotes and photographs by Ans Wortel, and a Wall of Fame, curator Patricia Bracke and designer Geer Roobeek reconstructed the world of this true artist of life.
Listen to the podcast
Want to hear more about the exhibition? Caspar Stalenhoef created a podcast in which he speaks with three people who knew Ans Wortel well: Patricia Bracke (the exhibition curator), Wil Wortel (Ans Wortel's sister), and Boudewijn Hiltermann (the largest collector of Ans Wortel's work).
Ans Wortel. Bohemienne in Bergen
Toen Kranenburgh in 1993 openging als museum, moest…
