Wim van der Kant Dutch, b. 1949

Wim van der Kant, born in Kampen in 1949, is a sculptor known for his refined, realistic bronze sculptures. Although he is a self-taught sculptor, he studied art education in Amersfoort, where he focused on ceramics and spatial forms. His fascination with sculpture began at the age of seven, when he came face to face with Rodin's L'Age d'Airain during an exhibition. But it was not until much later, in the late 1980s, that Van der Kant began creating bronze sculptures himself.

His work is characterised by a detailed representation of the human form, with a focus on the theme of adolescence. Art history has long been drawn to this transitional moment, not only for its beauty but for its tension: the coexistence of innocence and burgeoning self-awareness. Unlike in earlier times, Van der Kant is one of the few sculptors today who dares to tackle this theme and manages to give it poetic form. His choice to depict boys stems from his own experiences and feelings from his youth. "For me artistically, this theme allows for explorations of form, psychology and human pathos. It is a moment when the self is both fragile and fiercely alive, when the world feels immeasurably large and every new experience leaves an imprint."

Stylistically his figures show clear references to classical Greek and Roman sculpture,  emphasising balanced posture and careful study of anatomy,  yet they retain a contemporary directness and emotional immediacy. A recognisable feature is that he makes the hard stone base (usually marble) part of the expressiveness of the composition: for example, he lets the figure balance on it, sit on it or lean against it. 

Van der Kant has been represented by Morren Galleries since 1995. Selected exhibition activity includes presentations at Museum Mohlmann and participation in art fairs and realism/figurative exhibitions such as KunstRai, Lineart Ghent and many others.