Basic information

Name: Rien (Marinus Gerrit) te Hennepe,1950
Place of birth: The Netherlands
Based in: Curaçao
Discipline: Sculpture

EDUCATION

Self-taught sculptor; professionally trained as a physiotherapist

BIOGRAPHY
“I create because I enjoy it, and because the stone asks me to.”

Rien te Hennepe was fascinated by the natural world from an early age and later developed a growing interest in art. After working in healthcare for thirty years, he moved to Curaçao in 2002 with his wife, Marjon Wegman. The island’s Tafelberg, with its striking crystals and stones, made a strong impression on him, and in 2005 he began working the stone himself.
In 2006, he created a series of sculptures from Tafelberg stone with clients of Fundashon Pro Bista, the institute for people with visual impairments. He subsequently devoted himself increasingly to stone carving and became known as a sculptor. Guided by each stone’s natural form, colors, and markings, he produces unexpected, predominantly figurative works. While carving, he discovered that some stones generate sound; he incorporates this quality into his “sound sculptures.”

Originally trained and employed as a physiotherapist, te Hennepe brings a detailed understanding of the human body to his practice. His sculptures vary from compact and robust to slender and elongated, while retaining balanced anatomical proportions.

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS

Solo Exhibitions

2010 — Tafelberg Differente, Gallery Alma Blou, Curaçao
2008 — Stieren, Gallery Alma Blou, Curaçao

Group Exhibitions

2021 — Klei, Steen en Hout, Gallery Alma Blou, Curaçao
2020 — Unlocked, Landhuis Bloemhof, Curaçao
2019 — Echt Paar—verbonden in passie, Landhuis Bloemhof, Curaçao
2017 — 15, Villapark Zuurzak, Curaçao
2016 — Emancipatieboulevard, Gallery Alma Blou, Curaçao
2016 — Desaroyo, Landhuis Bloemhof, Curaçao
2015 — Klank, kleur en vorm, Villapark Zuurzak, Curaçao
2015 — Taboo 2, Landhuis Bloemhof, Curaçao
2015 — Women in Art, Gallery Alma Blou, Curaçao
2013 — It Takes Two, Paramaribo, Suriname
2013 — Back to Nature: A Homage to the Mondi, Landhuis Bloemhof, Curaçao
2012 — A Breast or Two, MonArt Gallery, Curaçao
2012 — Dugu Dugu, Be Mine, Landhuis Bloemhof, Curaçao
2011 — Maskara, Landhuis Bloemhof, Curaçao
2010 — Antapasado di Futuro, Curaçao Museum, Curaçao
2009 — Baby Bèbè Exposition, MonArt Gallery, Curaçao
2008 — Ban Lucha Kontra Kanser na Prostate, Gallery Alma Blou, Curaçao
2007 — Samen, Gallery Alma Blou, Curaçao
2006 — Admirá nos mannan, Fundashon Pro Bista, Curaçao
2005 — 7e Exibishon di nos Arte, Curaçao Museum, Curaçao