Denise Buisman Pilger is a contemporary artist whose practice centers on themes of empowerment and authenticity, expressed through bold, abstract mixed-media paintings. Born in Amsterdam and having lived in Fort Worth, Montréal, and Nagoya, her experiences across four countries have deeply influenced her exploration of identity and resilience. Through her art, she addresses the strength required to embrace one’s true self in the face of societal expectations.
Denise's early work, a series of urban mixed-media paintings, evoked feelings of nostalgia and transformation, reflecting the dynamic environments of her expatriate life. As her practice evolved, she shifted toward abstract expression, focusing on the interplay of colour, texture, and form to convey emotional depth and the power of personal reinvention. Her use of materials such as acrylics, washi paper, and image transfers creates a layered, tactile experience that invites viewers to engage with both the surface and the underlying emotional narrative.
Her work transcends memory, offering an invitation to embrace imperfection and find strength in vulnerability. By challenging the conventional boundaries of identity and self-expression, her art encourages viewers to confront their own constraints and explore the power of authenticity. The vibrant, textured compositions reflect the resilience she found in the continuous reinvention of self, and they serve as a call for others to embrace their individuality with courage.
Denise holds a Bachelor of Arts in Illustration from the Willem de Kooning Academy of Arts in Rotterdam. Her work has been exhibited internationally, including at Art Basel Week, Art Expo New York, the Toyota Museum, the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris, and galleries in New York, Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto, Nagoya, Okazaki, and Gifu.
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
My abstract mixed media paintings are a celebration of strength and authenticity. In a world where our lives often feel like a constant performance, maintaining a true sense of self is a challenge. The pressures of societal expectations, amplified by the daily deluge of social media, make it all too easy to lose sight of who we are. I’ve spent years conforming to others’ expectations, but through my art, I’ve discovered the power of reclaiming my own identity.
At the easel, the urge to create boldly—using vibrant colours and rich textures—became impossible to ignore. My art became a refuge, a way to quiet external pressures and rediscover the core of who I am. The act of creation has allowed me to break free from the rules I once followed, embracing freedom and imperfection.
Drawing from over a decade and a half of experience, my series "Unveiling" explores this journey of self-expression, using layers of acrylics, washi paper, oil pastels, sand, and alcohol to evoke subtle textures and luminous effects. The process mirrors my path of peeling back layers of expectation to reveal something deeper and more authentic beneath the surface.
In my studio, I let the paintings lead, relinquishing control and allowing the work to unfold naturally. By embracing imperfection and unpredictability, I find freedom in the act of creation, and I invite others to experience the same.
In a world constantly seeking approval, I believe it is crucial to nurture our inner sanctuary. Through my work, I aim to create space for empowerment and emotional resilience, encouraging others to break free from perfectionism and external validation.
My art is a call to embrace the beauty of imperfection, listen to our inner voices, and explore our true selves with courage. As I continue this journey, I look forward to seeing where my art will lead—to new destinations of creative freedom and personal empowerment.
