Hans Van de Bovenkamp | |
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Born | 1938 Garderen, Holland |
Nationality | American, born Dutch |
Alma mater | University of Michigan |
Occupation | sculptor |
Spouse(s) | Janet Bovenkamp Stuart, Siv Cedering |
Hans Van de Bovenkamp (born 1938) is a Dutch-born American sculptor. Van de Bovenkamp was born in Garderen, Holland in 1938 and immigrated to the United States in 1958. He is best known for his large scale abstract work in bronze, stainless steel, painted steel, and aluminum. Van de Bovenkamp's works are often influenced by myth, symbol, and nature. He is a member of the International Sculpture Center, the New York Sculptors Guild, and the Royal Society of British Sculptors.
Hans Van de Bovenkamp was born in Garderen, Holland to parents Maria Johanna Le Jeu and Jan Albertus van de Bovenkamp in 1938. Van de Bovenkamp studied at the School of Architecture in Amsterdam, Netherlands until 1961. Following his parents emigration to Ontario, Canada, Van de Bovenkamp came to the United States to attend the University of Michigan in 1958. In 1958, during his first year of university, he was an apprentice for Richard Jennings, a sculptor of large kinetic fountains. Van de Bovenkamp studied with Joseph Goto, a sculptor and master welder from 1958 until 1961.
Van de Bovenkamp moved to New York City and became a part of the 10th street gallery co-op movement following his graduation from the University of Michigan in 1961. In 1962, his first solo exhibit took place at the Little Gallery in Taos, New Mexico. The following year, Van de Bovenkamp developed sculptural ideas for the windows of Tiffany's on Fifth Avenue. Van de Bovenkamp began manufacturing limited edition fountains in a studio on Christopher Street in New York in 1967. He had fifteen assistants, including George Rhoads and Sybil and David Yurman. Together they produced more than five thousand fountains worldwide. Over the next ten years, Van de Bovenkamp exhibited his sculptures throughout the United States, including in New York City at New York University, Tiffany & Co., 10 Downtown, and Bryant Park; at Houston, Texas Contemporary Arts Museum; and at both the Stamford Museum and University of Connecticut. He is the founder of the New York's 10 Downtown project. His work has also been displayed in Italy, Lebanon, Venezuela, Switzerland, and Canada. Van de Bovenkamp's works have been featured in ten museums, embassies, and sculpture center shows, as well as numerous universities, public gardens and institutes. Kevin Miller has been Van de Bovenkamp's assistant since 1995.