BIOGRAPHY
Bastiaen Vries is a portrait painter based in Amsterdam. In his work, he explores expression, character, and the person behind the face.
In 2024, Bastiaen joined the art group ‘Masters of Realism’. Since then, his work has been shown in group exhibitions with the collective. That same year, his work was showcased at the Chianciano Art Biennale in Italy. In 2023, he was invited to participate in the London Art Biennale, where he received the Chianciano Museum Award.
In 2022, he gained wider recognition through his participation in the television programme ‘Sterren op het Doek’ (Stars on Canvas). In the episode featuring Rob Kemps, his portrait was selected as the winner. That same year, he was ranked among the top 10 in the ‘Painting of the Year 2022’ competition. Additionally, his work was exhibited at the biennial ‘Weekend of the Portrait’, organised by the Dutch Portrait Prize Foundation.
Before fully dedicating himself to painting, Bastiaen worked as a head designer in the fashion industry. His education at the Amsterdam Fashion Institute played a significant role in his artistic development, particularly through its emphasis on life drawing and creative techniques. To deepen his focus on portraiture, he completed a two-year program Portretmeesters with Rogier Willems.
Art runs deeply in his family. His great-grandfather painted landscapes and portraits well into old age, while his mother, despite a busy life, found time for drawing and painting. These familial influences nurtured Bastiaen’s love for art from an early age.
In addition to his own work, Bastiaen supports people with aphasia through the Marline Fritzius Foundation. He helps them explore artistic expression through painting, drawing, and sculpting. The process of creating, with all its unexpected twists, constantly reminds him of the complexity of life and the unifying power of art.
MY VISION
In my portraits, I look beyond likeness to what makes someone recognisably themselves. I try to convey both strength and vulnerability, as well as warmth, tenderness and something of the human presence that is not always easy to put into words.
During the painting process, there is sometimes a moment when everything begins to come together. The gaze, posture, colour and brushwork start to respond to one another, and the portrait develops a presence of its own. I think of this as the moment when the painting begins to ‘speak’ to me. When that happens, I usually know that the work has found its direction.
I work strongly from light, colour and shadow, and I like the paint itself to remain visible. Some areas are more carefully resolved, while others stay open and loose. That balance matters to me, because a portrait does not need to explain everything.
Ultimately, I try to convey more than appearance alone. I want something of the person’s presence to remain in the painting: strength, vulnerability, warmth and humanity. For me, a successful portrait allows for recognition, while still leaving room for the viewer’s own interpretation.
I also work part-time as:
- Art Mentor at the Marline Fritzius Foundation, supporting people with aphasia in nakin art
- Coordinator at Atelier Marline Fritzius Amsterdam
With many thanks to Franco for his year of support, work and advice.
1970 Hendrik Hebo ten Berge, my great-grandfather
1969 Sacha Vries-van Poorten, my mother
photo: ©Frans Vries F3
1989 – 2021
From 1989 to 2021, Bastiaen worked as a head designer and creative lead for several fashion companies, including Triumph International, HEMA and Miss Etam.
Lecturer and committee member at art academies, including Artemis and AMFI.
Coach to creative professionals and consultant to fashion companies.
©bastiaenvries
