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.
$3,985.00
Acrylic and image transfer on wood.
24x48x1.50"
Wandering through the city with my camera, the experience felt somewhat unreal. Stepping back into the world after an extended period of confinement at home was a strange sensation. This journey marked my first real adventure since leaving Japan, and I couldn't help but yearn for the exotic beauty of my former home. Yet, as I captured moments through the lens, I rediscovered the hidden allure of the places that were now in easy reach. It served as a poignant reminder that even in the most familiar surroundings, there's always beauty waiting to be unveiled if we pause to truly see it.
The city's streets unfolded before me, each corner a potential canvas for my lens. This photographic exploration was a reawakening, a reconnection with the world beyond four walls. Leaving Japan had left a void, but it was here, amidst the everyday scenes of this new chapter, that I found a different kind of beauty. It wasn't exotic, but it was genuine and had a charm all its own. Through my camera's viewfinder, I rediscovered that even in the ordinary, there exist captivating moments worth capturing.
$3,985.00
Acrylic and image transfer on wood.
24x48x1.50"
Amongst Toronto's every changing skyline this building always stands out to me, so every time I go to Toronto to take photographs I have to walk by it to take some shots.
This painting immediately evokes the feeling of summer in Toronto. The sky is bright blue, the sun is beating down and the heat radiates up from the asphalt.
When I pass by the Gooderham Building I increase my pace in anticipation of reaching the waterfront and enjoying the cool breeze that blows in from Lake Ontario.
$3,985.00
Acrylic and image transfer on wood.
24x48x1.50"
We visited Seoul in the middle of a heat wave, it was scorching hot, the perfect time to explore a city! But with plenty of water, my trusty Japanese hat and a ‘fashionable’ cooling neck cloth we set out on our quest for urban beauty and tired feet.
At famous landmarks in Japan and South Korea it is quite common to see girls walking around in traditional dress, usually in groups, taking tons of pictures together in these iconic places. Often this is a tradition to celebrate certain milestones like a graduation or reaching adulthood.
I absolutely love seeing these girls, they look so beautiful and are wonderful candy for my camera lens. But oh did I feel for them, draped in layers and layers of synthetic fabric in this scorching heat!
$3,985.00
Acrylic and image transfer on wood.
24x48x1.50"
There is something magical about seeing a real geisha on the streets of Kyoto. Even amidst the sea of gorgeous ladies in yukata and kimono she stands out. It felt like a special and really precious experience and it is a memory that I treasure dearly which is why this painting is so special to me. It reminds me that there is magic somewhere in the world even though it feels like most of it has drained away after I left Japan.
Right now, painting the beauty of Japan helps me deal with feeling homesick for the country I had to leave behind last year.
All my life, saying goodbye has been difficult for me. The first time going to school involved huge crying fits that ended up with me throwing up, just because I had to say goodbye to my mom.
I have become better at handling goodbyes over the years but it hasn't gotten any easier.
While I was painting this piece the snow was piled high outside my studio in Canada but at the same time, in Japan, people were walking under these magical Sakura trees that were in full bloom. Every time I would think of this I felt a pang of longing but having this piece on my easel made the country I miss so dearly feel just a little bit closer.
$3,985.00
Acrylic and image transfer on wood.
24x48x1.50"
We visited Seoul in the middle of a heat wave, it was scorching hot, perfect weather for exploring a city 😉 But with plenty of water, my trusty Japanese hat and a ‘fashionable’ cooling neck cloth we set out on our quest for urban beauty and tired feet.
We walked many many miles admiring sprawling palace complexes, bustling, smelly street markets and gorgeous traditional architecture, it is a city chuck full of beautiful juxtaposition.
There were so many street markets and food stalls, Seoul has a huge food culture. I just loved walking by all the stalls and seeing all the weird and exotic foods, so many vibrant colors and smells although in the heat the later were not always so enjoyable.
Phonetically the pronunciation of Seoul in English sounds like ‘soul’, this quirky phonetic similarity enhances the title of this piece.
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. Seoul 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.
$3,985.00
Acrylic and image transfer on wood.
24x48x1.50"
Seeing a bride and groom on the street is always a wonderful thing but I especially love encountering these beautiful couples in Asia, where they have such a variety of beautiful and colorful wedding attire. This couple is dressed in traditional Taiwanese wedding garb, I just love how the luxurious fabrics and elaborate designs clash with the grittiness of the city.
My visit to Taiwan was way too short, it was a whirlwind of new experiences and impressions. I was so sad when I had to leave because, as always, the thought of: “I may never come here again”, was running through my mind.
This painting helps me keep the memories of this beautiful country close to my heart. Even if I never get to visit Taiwan again, through this painting, I will always carry a piece of it with me.
$3,985.00
Acrylic and image transfer on wood.
24x48x1.50"
Toronto is such an amazing city, it has that American big city vibe with just a dash of European flair and a healthy dose of Canadian charm. I love walking the streets with my camera and oh those street cars! I just can’t help myself, they’re so awesome! After using the New York Flat Iron building in multiple pieces people in Toronto kept telling me about the Toronto equivalent. So in 2015r I made a separate trip just to photograph this local gem and I am so happy that I did because this building is just awesome!
I’m not as familiar with Toronto as I am with Montréal but I’ve visited it regularly. Like with Montréal my first few paintings were all about the exploration and discovery of a new city. But now that the city is a little more familiar I get to really dive in and find the hidden gems of the everyday urban environment.
$4,150.00
Acrylic and image transfer on wood.
30x40x1.50"
Every trip, whether it's a brief getaway or an extended trip, always holds the potential for adventure. The exciting part is that you don't have to venture to distant places to discover beautiful moments and have amazing experiences.
In my mind's eye, this lady is ready for her next adventure, contemplating a choice between a scooter and a car. It's a decision that embodies the spirit of adventure itself – the freedom to select your own path, relish the journey, and find beauty and wonder in every direction, whether on two wheels or four, which one would you choose?
$4,150.00
Acrylic and image transfer on wood.
30x40x1.50"
This could be me! Taking photographs of the beautiful buildings and interesting play of light and shadow at the end of the street. Although I’d probably be dressed less fancy.
I have spent so many hours like this in Japan and still I feel like I need to go back to collect more images!
Right now, painting the beauty of Japan helps me deal with feeling homesick for the country I had to leave behind last year.
All my life, saying goodbye has been difficult for me. The first time going to school involved huge crying fits that ended up with me throwing up, just because I had to say goodbye to my mom.
I have become better at handling goodbyes over the years but it hasn't gotten any easier.
While I was painting this piece in my studio in Canada I was transported back to this beautiful place. Having this piece on my easel made the country I miss so dearly feel just a little bit closer.
$4,150.00
Acrylic and image transfer on wood.
30x40x1.50"
I love to observe city life — all the cars and people rushing by — I always like to imagine where all those people are going and what their lives are like. I do the same thing with my pieces, I like to make up stories about the depicted urban scenes which are usually reflected in the titles as well.
This lady is probably on her break, or maybe she's done for the day or it might be Monday morning, who knows! But I do think she's walking there deep in thought, do you know what she's thinking about?
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.
$4,150.00
Acrylic and image transfer on wood.
30x40x1.50"
I love to observe the vibrancy of city life, the cars, the people rushing by, I’m always wondering, where are all those people are going? what are their lives like? I wonder the same thing about 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.
These two people are exploring Ottawa and they seem to be having an animated conversation. What are they talking about? Maybe they're discussing the awesome architecure or Canadian politics or maybe they're discussing strategies next weeks bingo game, what do you think?
I created this piece from images I took in my first few years living in Canada. It was a way for me to explore and get more intimately familiar with the new country I was calling home.
$4,150.00
Acrylic and image transfer on wood.
30x40x1.50"
I have wonderful memories of my visit to Laguna Beach, a small artist community on the pacific in California. What I love about this piece is that it shows so much of the beauty of this vibrant little town on the Pacific coast. I wish I could step into this painting and take stroll through the streets, take in all the amazing art and plop down on that terrace for a nice cocktail.
I only got to visit Laguna Beach for a couple of hours, we explored the lovely shopping streets and all the galleries but we didn't have time to really dive in! Ideally I would take another trip specifically dedicated to discovering every nook and cranny of this beautiful place.
But until that time I will create paintings like these that allow me to imaging being back there, walking under the palm trees in the warm summer breeze that carries the smell of the nearby ocean.