Born in The Hague in 1961, Piet Linnebank spent his formative years in Brussels, a city that remains close to his heart. After a year of study at the St. Lucas Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, he returned to the Netherlands, where he developed as both a visual artist and an art historian. Piet lives in Amsterdam, a city whose open and fluid identity allows him to feel at home and creatively free.

Linnebank works primarily from his subconscious, creating in a figurative, often comic-strip-like style. His approach is spontaneous—he begins with no clear plan, allowing images to emerge naturally. He describes his process as one of suppressing self-censorship, letting his work unfold organically. “What comes up, comes up,” he says, only later reflecting on its meaning. This instinctive method often leads to the creation of poetic worlds that touch on everyday reality.

His art often reflects humor and sharp observation, shaped by his reaction against Dutch moral rigorism. With quick, lively lines, he captures human life in a way that sometimes evokes artists like Crumb or Willem, while also nodding to the influence of Ensor. Linnebank is also a skilled watercolorist, whose delicate portrayals of life in cities like Amsterdam and Brussels carry a sense of freshness and tenderness.

Collaboration is central to Linnebank’s practice. Over the years, he has often worked with other artists, whether by creating joint works or by contributing to projects for both idealistic causes and corporate publicity. His versatility as an artist is a testament to his belief that, in today’s world, artists must be multifaceted to succeed. Through his art, Linnebank continues to explore, experiment, and discover, always seeking new ways to express the richness of life.

“In my work, I delve into the complexities of the human condition, exploring themes of societal critique, urban alienation, and the subconscious mind. Through a monochromatic palette and intricate compositions, I intertwine distorted figures with architectural elements, creating a surreal narrative that challenges perceptions of reality. My art serves as a mirror to contemporary anxieties, inviting viewers to reflect on the interplay between chaos and order, and the profound impact of modernity on individual identity.”

Piet Linnebank
Artist