![](http://dutchbandit.art/cdn/shop/files/one_small_step_kopieren_05221968-e615-46bc-88d5-63a359b46411.jpg?v=1721113927&width=3840)
BIO
Born in a shoebox
I come from a lineage of shoemakers spanning over 100 years. Growing up in my parents' shoe store, it felt like I was born in a shoebox. My father would sketch shoes to keep track of his orders, and these drawings captivated me, sparking my passion for art.
As a child, I was constantly drawing, winning numerous coloring and drawing contests. While others played outside, I immersed myself in my art. This led to skipping a grade in school, though the education system often misunderstood my true potential. Misguidedly, I was advised to attend a trade school for construction, which did not suit my creative inclinations. Despite this, I persevered and taught myself Photoshop, which became invaluable in my later career.
Feeling constrained by formal education, I left school to work in my parents' shoe store, hoping to carry on the family tradition. When customers returned with faded shoes, I took it upon myself to learn the art of leather dyeing. After mastering this craft, I started a successful shoe brand, becoming a color expert and showcasing my skills across the Benelux.
Despite my success, I felt an artistic void. Tattoos had always fascinated me, representing the ultimate honor of immortalizing art on someone's body. I decided to change my life, sold my shoe business, and apprenticed at a tattoo shop. This decision rekindled my artistic freedom and led to the creation of DUTCH BANDIT, encompassing tattoos, paintings, illustrations, and 3D objects.
Now, with an inexhaustible source of inspiration, my work blends traditional tattoos, vintage comic styles, and surrealistic expressions, which I call raw vintage pop art. In my Eindhoven studio, I create visually striking artworks using acrylics. My art is influenced by diverse sources, including philosophy and random thoughts, and aims to present ideas in a graphically impactful way.
A signature figure in my work is Mr. Boomer, a character with a television for a head, symbolizing society's reliance on media and its detachment from reality. Through Mr. Boomer, I encourage viewers to think critically about media's influence.
I also create "XXL Collectables," a series of artworks packaged like vintage action figures, each telling a unique story.
Art has always been my sanctuary, and now I can share this passion with the world through my diverse and evolving creations.