Hans Neleman
Netherlander, 1960
The notion of capturing a moment frozen in time, is reflected in the artworks of a multi-disciplinary artist who draws inspiration from the past to create meaning in the present. Through this concept, Hans Neleman prompts us to pause, reflect, and contemplate, and in turn, invites us to look back for context and forward for purpose once we 'press play' again. His work cleverly references the art of photography, which resonates with the artist's background, where the act of 'capturing time' is paramount.
In these paintings and collages, the artist employs fragments of sensibilities from the past, evoking a sense of nostalgia and timelessness. The distressed effects on many of the artworks further reinforce this sense of time's passage. Several works also feature details of sculptures from Roman times. In Neleman’s transformative artistic process, these elements are re-born, and are particularly noteworthy in his surreal assemblage creations. Neleman’s hand-torn collages provoke a discourse between abstraction and figuration and the harmony of opposites.
Simultaneously Neleman has studied the intersection of cultural history, the physical body, and taboos—as seen in the books Moko: Maori Tattoo and Night Chicas—to develop a personal oeuvre. A third book, Silence, highlights Neleman's longtime interest
in still-life photography, found objects, as well as large format analog camera technology. He has taught at New York University, the International Center of Photography, and the School of Visual Arts.
Overall, Neleman's art is a testament to his creative vision and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible with photography and collage. His works demonstrate the power of art to inspire and challenge us, inviting us to see the world in new and exciting ways while contemplating the impact of personal and collective history on our perception of reality.
Hans Neleman is a Netherlands-born American artist based in New Canaan who works across collage, painting, photography, and video. Neleman studied at Goldsmiths University in London, and he earned BA and MA degrees from Westminster University and New York University, respectively. He has worked for more than 30 years as a photographer and creative director in advertising and other commercial media to wide acclaim.
In these paintings and collages, the artist employs fragments of sensibilities from the past, evoking a sense of nostalgia and timelessness. The distressed effects on many of the artworks further reinforce this sense of time's passage. Several works also feature details of sculptures from Roman times. In Neleman’s transformative artistic process, these elements are re-born, and are particularly noteworthy in his surreal assemblage creations. Neleman’s hand-torn collages provoke a discourse between abstraction and figuration and the harmony of opposites.
Simultaneously Neleman has studied the intersection of cultural history, the physical body, and taboos—as seen in the books Moko: Maori Tattoo and Night Chicas—to develop a personal oeuvre. A third book, Silence, highlights Neleman's longtime interest
in still-life photography, found objects, as well as large format analog camera technology. He has taught at New York University, the International Center of Photography, and the School of Visual Arts.
Overall, Neleman's art is a testament to his creative vision and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible with photography and collage. His works demonstrate the power of art to inspire and challenge us, inviting us to see the world in new and exciting ways while contemplating the impact of personal and collective history on our perception of reality.
Hans Neleman is a Netherlands-born American artist based in New Canaan who works across collage, painting, photography, and video. Neleman studied at Goldsmiths University in London, and he earned BA and MA degrees from Westminster University and New York University, respectively. He has worked for more than 30 years as a photographer and creative director in advertising and other commercial media to wide acclaim.
