BIO
On the surface, Rob Ruimers’ practice is a critical investigation of human instincts, drives and ambitions. ‘Why,’ his works seem to ask, ‘can’t we do better?’ Under the guise of this unanswerable question, he imagines the physicality of our fears and desires as they manifest themselves in the body or in symbols of power and powerlessness. Ultimately, his sculptures and installations are about movement and direction, the flow and disruption of energy, freedom and limitation. Before he turned to art, Ruimers worked ( among other jobs ) in a shipyard as a manager, and as the kilnmaster of the European Ceramic Workcentre. (EKWC) Some aspects of this former occupation still transpire in his work. Impressive size and precise constructions, for instance, but also a sense of collaborative effort and coordination. Many of his works have been exhibited or performed with live music, often especially composed for the occasion. A dance company interacted with LBS 000 and the audience is often invited to participate. Ruimers’ material of choice is not steel however, but ceramics. Pliable and versatile, clay allows him to quickly realise his visions, on a monumental scale.
Resume
Exhibitions (selection) :
| 2026 | Bergkerk | Deventer | solo |
| 2026 | Gallery Breedart | Amsterdam | duo |
| 2026 | Horror Vacui | Icheon-Si, South Korea | |
| 2025 | Noweaponworld, Vrije Paleis | Amsterdam | |
| 2024 | Honsoirde | Nieuwkuijk | |
| 2024 | Kunstschouw | Noordwelle | duo |
| 2024 | EMStudioGallery | Amsterdam | |
| 2023 | Canticle of Creatures, M&A Kerk | Amsterdam | Kate Moore project |
| 2023 | KEG | Schijndel | solo |
| 2021 | Museo Internazionale delle Ceramiche | Online | Italy; selected but exhibition cancelled due to corona |
| 2020 | Cultureharbour | Veghel | solo |
| 2019 | Willem II Factory | Den Bosch | |
| 2017 | Museum Princessehof | Leeuwarden | |
| 2015 | LBS 000, Temporary Art Centre | Eindhoven | solo |
| 2014 | LBS 000, Willem II Factory | Den Bosch | solo |
| 2013 | Schaamteloos, M/V Electron | Breda | |
| 2012 | Sculpture Requiem Theater-Performance | solo | |
| 2012 | Gemeentemuseum | The Hague | |
| 2011 | Horror Vacui (visual sound performance), Bronze prize, World Ceramic Biennale | Icheon-Si, South Korea | |
| 2011 | Chinese European Art Centre | Xiamen, China | solo |
| 2011 | De Mooie Mensch, Opera Buffa | Sculpture performance | |
| 2011 | Sundaymorning EKWC | Den Bosch | solo |
| 2009 | van Abbe Museum / Your-Space | Eindhoven | |
| 2009 | Notre Dame des Artes Ubbergen | Nijmegen | |
| 2008 | Gallery de Meerse | Hoofddorp | |
| 2008–2011 | Sculpturegarden “Land en Beeld” | Asperen | |
| 2008 | Gallery De Kort | Bladel | |
| 2007 | Centre Visual Arts | Den Bosch | solo |
| 2007 | Artdepot Magdenburg, “The Dutch Connection” | Germany | |
| 2006 | Multnomah Arts Center, Portland Oregon / NCECA | USA |
Artist in residence:
| 2015 | Sundaymorning EKWC | ||
| 2011 | Chinese European Art Centre | Xiamen, China | |
| 2007 | Werksymposium Artdepot Magdeburg | Germany | |
| 2007 | Artoll Kunstlabor | Germany | |
| 1997 | EKWC | Den Bosch | |
| 1997 | Southern Illinois University Carbondale (Art & Design dep.) | USA |
Press:
| 2012 | Ceramics Art and Perception International | USA | by Miss. N. Bannier |
| 2011 | Xiamen Evening | China | |
| 2011 | Common Talk | China |
Interviews
| 2011 | University Xiamen | China | |
| 2011 | World Ceramic Museum | Icheon-Si, South Korea | |
| 2012 | Museum for Contemporary Art, De Pont | Tilburg | |
| 2012 | Centre Visual Arts | Den Bosch |
Documentaries:
| 2015 | Met de wind | Tamino Parren, Frank van Osch | Foundation Dockwerk Filmproductions |
| 2014 | Sculpture Requiem | Thijs van Gasteren | Performance-auction |
Colophon:
| Texts: | Nanne op’t Ende |
| Photography: | Peter Cox |
| Guus Ruimers | |
| Peer van de Kruis | |
| Jan Sprij | |
| Rob Ruimers | |
| Video: | Ingrid van de Boogaard |
| Tamino Parren | |
| Thijs van Gasteren | |
| Rob Ruimers | |
| Hidde Finders | |
| Website: | Jaimy Scheermeijer |