Denise Buisman Pilger
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.
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.
$4,150.00
Acrylic and image transfer on wood.
30x40x1.50"
Although the Hague is not our capitol it is the seat of government of Holland. Like many Dutch cities it has aninteresting blend of ultra modern and historic architecture. You can wander around this city imagining yourself in the future and then turn a corner into a street that seems to take you back in time. This juxtaposition is an endless source of inspiration to me. I just love the way the old and the new come together and co-exsist, each enhancing the uniqueness and beauty of the other.
Even though I haven’t lived in Holland for over 15 years it will always be my home. When I lived there I never really appreciated the beauty of the architecture and the typically Dutch urban elements. Only after moving away was I able to see the beauty of the city.
A piece like this is not only a way to keep the memories of my home country close to my heart, it is also a whole new discovery of the extraordinary designs that can be found in a city that used to be so familiar and mundane.
$4,485.00
Acrylic and image transfer on wood.
36x36x1.50"
It felt like walking onto a movie set but Oamaru is an actual, real life town! The beautifully preserved Victorian architecture and quirky galleries, shops, and museums made my heart beat faster. Knowing that a place like this exists, a place where fantasy meets reality, felt magical.
Out of over 5000 photographs only a handful had people in them, so this girl is a rare specimen indeed. Because nature was such an integral part of our time in New Zealand I felt compelled to bring it into this painting.
When I think about New Zealand the breathtaking views of steep cliffs, snow capped mountains and piercing blue lakes immediately pop into my mind but I also saw some gorgeous architecture and quirky little towns that left a lasting impression.
It felt natural to blend the two together in this painting.
$5,980.00
Acrylic and image transfer on wood.
36x48x1.50"
Seeing a street car always evokes memories of the bright yellow streetcars of my youth in Amsterdam. That’s probably why I love them so much.
Not every city in Japan has them so I was really excited to spot a real life street car when I exited the train station in Hiroshima, as a bonus they’s super cool old fashioned ones and they come in different colors!
I spent my entire visit chasing down as many as I could, running to street corner and pedestrian crossings to capture them as they approached and left their stops, I need to capture all of the angles you see.
This scene reminds me of that weekend chasing streetcars around Hiroshima, don’t worry though, I managed to see the highlights too! We even made it out to Miyajima, the island where the deer roam free. But that’s a story for another painting.
$5,980.00
Acrylic and image transfer on wood.
36x48x1.50"
This painting reminds me of the times we sought the shade of enormous Cedar trees to escape the summer heat. It was like walking through a fairytale forest, paths wound their way up the mountain, passing iconic, red, bow bridges and moss covered statues ending at a small temple with stunning views at the top.
Walking under these ancient trees are some of my favorite memories of Japan.
$5,980.00
Acrylic and image transfer on wood.
36x48x1.50"
Out of all the flowers the Ume blossoms are my favourite. I have such wonderful memories of walking through huge groves of weeping plum trees in full bloom. The smell is absolutely amazing, they smell exactly like Japanese plum wine tastes!
Every year, droves of people will come to see the perfectly round buds burst into life and celebraste the coming of spring.
$5,980.00
Acrylic and image transfer on wood.
48x36x1.50"
Although the Hague is not our capitol it is the seat of government of Holland. Like many Dutch cities it has an interesting blend of ultra modern and historic architecture. You can wander around this city imagining yourself in the future and then turn a corner into a street that seems to take you back in time. In the city I love to stand on the corner of these big crossroads, where traffic of all kinds, is zipping by in every direction. I love imagining where all these people are going, they all have their own lives, their own stories, where do you think they are going now?
Even though I haven’t lived in Holland for over 15 years it will always be my home. When I lived there I never really appreciated the beauty of the architecture and the typically Dutch urban elements. Only after moving away was I able to see the beauty of the city.
A piece like this is not only a way to keep the memories of my home country close to my heart, it is also a whole new discovery of the extraordinary designs that can be found in a city that used to be so familiar and mundane.
$5,980.00
Acrylic and image transfer on wood.
36x48x1.50"
San Diego is basically paradise! It is on the ocean, there are palm trees everywhere and the sun is always shining and that's only the beginning. The architecture in this city is absolutely stunning! A stroll through the historic gaslamp district will blow you away with it's beautifully restored Victorian office buildings, scattered throughout the city you will find historic mission architecture, traditional Mexican and Spanish buildings and of course the city has its share of ultra modern skyscrapers. This piece features mostly elements from the landscape of arts and culture that is Balboa Park.
When I’m visiting a place I always feel like time is too short, I have this hunger to see it all and of course never can. I absolutely fell in love with San Diego unfortunately I was only there for a few days.
The entire time I was there I was making are I absorbed as much of it a possible because I might never get the chance to visit there again! So I made sure to take as many pictures as I could during my time there. Working with these images to create a piece like this allows me some extra time to explore. It takes me back there, in my imagination I can explore this beautiful city to my hearts content.San Diego is basically paradise! It is on the ocean, there are palm trees everywhere and the sun is always shining and that's only the beginning. The architecture in this city is absolutely stunning! A stroll through the historic gaslamp district will blow you away with it's beautifully restored Victorian office buildings, scattered throughout the city you will find historic mission architecture, traditional Mexican and Spanish buildings and of course the city has its share of ultra modern skyscrapers. This piece features mostly elements from the landscape of arts and culture that is Balboa Park.
When I’m visiting a place I always feel like time is too short, I have this hunger to see it all and of course never can. I absolutely fell in love with San Diego unfortunately I was only there for a few days.
The entire time I was there I was making are I absorbed as much of it a possible because I might never get the chance to visit there again! So I made sure to take as many pictures as I could during my time there. Working with these images to create a piece like this allows me some extra time to explore. It takes me back there, in my imagination I can explore this beautiful city to my hearts content.
$5,980.00
Acrylic and image transfer on wood.
36x48x1.50"
In the summer of 2011 I had the opportunity to explore the beautiful country of Italy. On our trip I had a chance to visit the uniquely stunning city of Venice. From the moment I stepped off the boat I knew this city would provide an -endless source of inspiration, and indeed, I did not let go of my camera the entire time! The buildings in Venice seem to be -clinging to the little bits of dry land in the lagoon and people crowd onto little, tiny boats to get from A to B. Only the pigeons have the freedom to roam the city as they please.
When I’m visiting a place I always feel like time is too short, I have this hunger to see it all and of course never can. Venice was so overwhelming, you would need a lifetime to explore it all! I was only there for a few days and I made sure to take as many pictures as I could during this time. Working with these images to create a piece like this allows me some extra time to explore. It takes me back there, in my imagination I can explore this beautiful city to my hearts content.
$5,980.00
Acrylic and image transfer on wood.
48x36x1.50"
It took me some time to fall in love with LA, it is one of those cities where you need some insider knowledge to be able to fully enjoy all it has to offer.
It is such an expansive city there is no way you can see it all in one trip. Many people go there to be discovered but I think going there to discover, it is a way more satisfying experience. In my studio I like to listen to podcasts and a lot of them are made by people who live in LA and they don't seem to be very impressed by their city. I hope that one day they will see some of my LA pieces and realise how beautiful their city is and how much it has to offer.
When I’m visiting a place I always feel like time is too short, I have this hunger to see it all and of course never can. LA is such a sprawling city, you would need a lifetime to explore it all! I was only there for a few days and I made sure to take as many pictures as I could during this time. Working with these images to create a piece like this allows me some extra time to explore. It takes me back there, in my imagination I can explore this beautiful city to my hearts content.
$8,605.00
Acrylic and image transfer on wood.
40x60x1.50"
In downtown Nagoya there is a gold one, in Yoshinoyama we found one that was covered in cherry blossoms, in the mall near our home they installed a bright pink one and in my final week in Japan my friend and I drove an hour and a half to see one that was painted Matcha green!
I absolutely LOVE Japanese mailboxes! They’re usually bright red, although you occasionally see them in different colors or with a special motive like this beauty we found in Yoshinoyama. They’re almost as tall as I am and they have this wonderful rounded pillar shape. They’re real statement pieces on the streets of Japan.
Sadly you don’t see them as often anymore, they’re slowly being replaced by smaller, more mundane square boxes but this makes seeing one in the wild extra special!
Luckily now that they are becoming more rare they have also become travel destinations in and of themselves. The other day I learned there is a giant one somewhere in Tokyo, I immediately added a Google pin to my ever growing list of places I need to visit when I travel back to Japan one day.
$8,305.00
Acrylic and image transfer on wood.
60x40x1.50"
We’re standing in a narrow Japanese street and the enormous ‘Dashi’ (festival float) is barreling towards us at alarming speed, paper lanterns wildly swinging on the top.
It is being pushed by dozens of young men who will have to lift the entire thing on their shoulders to force it around a corner that is barely wide enough!
A Japanese matsuri is a wonderful experience, each one has their own unique traditions and the craftsmanship and beauty of the Dashi is always a treat!
$9,965.00
Acrylic and image transfer on wood.
60x48x1.50"
Outside the cities where I have lived in Holland, Montréal is the place where I have lived the longest. I have spent many, many hours strolling through the city’s streets observing city life. I always like to imagine where all those people are going and what their lives are like. I do the same thing with the people in my paintings, I like to make up stories about the depicted urban scenes which are usually reflected in the titles as well.
In this piece something is about to happen between these two people. Maybe he's finally managed to gather all of his courage to ask her out, or maybe they're both about to graduate and have to figure out what to do next, or maybe he just wants to borrow her notes. I know which story I was making up while working on this piece but that doesn't mean that has to be your story…
In the beginning I painted Montréal for familiarize myself with my new home town, then I moved to Japan and they became wonderful reminders of a home I had left behind. Now that I am back in Canada and live about 45 minutes north of the city, this piece is a reminder to venture out there every once in a while to explore all the urban beauty this city has to offer.