Inspired by John Maeda’s words – “When there is less, we appreciate everything much more” – Britte’s work consists of minimalist sculptural installations and wall sculptures. In a world dominated by speed, haste, and the constant urge for “more”, Britte seeks the opposite: the small, the subtle, and the inconspicuous. Amidst the overwhelming noise of everyday life, she aims to create moments of silence and contemplation through her sculptures.
The sculptures may stand out because of their bright colours, but their true power is only revealed when you really take the time to look at them. This focus on subtlety is her response to the acceleration of modern society; it is an invitation to discover the essence and to find strength in simplicity — a strength that is not always immediately visible.
Britte draws inspiration from everyday life – from architecture, floor plans, and sometimes simply from a conversation. What intrigues her is not so much what presents itself, but how she can reduce it to its essence. Precision, simplification, and abstraction play a major role in this.
• Recent exhibitions with Galerie Bart: Vigor 2025 • Hidden Trophies 2024 • Connection 2022.
CV
Britte Koolen, born 1994 (NL), lives and works in Utrecht. She has obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Design at University of the Arts, Utrecht. Koolen has also graduated from Vogue Academy Amsterdam.
Britte has been exhibiting her art since 2017. Her work has been shown in various art fairs (This ArtFair, OBJECT Rotterdam, Art Rendez Vous Breda, Miami art week). As an artist represented by Galerie Bart, Britte is also represented by Alfa Gallery, an artist-run contemporary art space in Miami.
The installations seem to be difficult or intellectual, however are best discovered not by analytical contemplation, but by walking around them, seeing them from all angles and experiencing them as they are and as you are in space. Precision is key, precision can sometimes be arrived at intuitively. Imperfections that show up while working can be deleted, but likewise exaggerated to become formal elements. The position of the sculptures within the installation keeps the viewer in suspension, caught in the moment of decision or indecision. One millimeter to the left or a millimeter to the right suddenly means everything.
In 2021 she did the Inversion program by Talent hub Brabant where she was guided by various experts from the field for workshops, executive coaching, masterclasses and sessions. Britte has been nominated fort he SBK Young Talent Award and for the SBK Otto Hetterscheid Stimulation Prize.
Artworks
Press & Publications
2021 •
Elle decoration, House of Fun, Boijmans van Beuningen, collaboration with Monique van der Reijen.
Elle decoration trend event 2021, Nieuwe Instituut, Rotterdam, collaboration with Monique van der Reijen.
2020 •
Artsy, via Alfa Gallery Miami.
2019 •
Metropolis M, Moira Utrecht – Britte Koolen.
2018 •
SBK Young Talents Sprouts 2018.