The Life and Training of Paul Drissen

Born in 1963 in Oirsbeek, Netherlands, Paul Drissen has spent his life deeply connected to the landscape and culture of the region. His path as a painter began in earnest during his formative years in the mid-1980s. He moved into formal study at the Stadsacademie in Maastricht, where he spent four years from 1985 to 1989 refining his understanding of the medium. This period in Maastricht provided the foundation for a career that has remained closely tied to this part of the Netherlands.

Following his time in Maastricht, Drissen sought further development in Haarlem. From 1989 to 1991, he attended Ateliers ’63, a period that allowed him to expand his technical skills and professional perspective. This training helped shape the way he approaches the canvas, moving him from a student of form to a practicing artist with a distinct way of seeing the world.

Today, Paul Drissen continues to live and work in Maastricht. His presence in the city remains a constant, as he maintains his studio and practice within the same area where his artistic education began. This continuity between his training and his current life provides a sense of place that is central to his existence as a painter.

Technique and Artistic Style

Paul Drissen works primarily with casein tempera on canvas, a choice that lends a specific weight and texture to his surfaces. His approach to composition often feels like a quiet conversation with the modernist tradition, though he treats its elements with a sense of nostalgia. Rather than following the strict rules of classical painting, his works frequently take on the appearance of collages. He builds his images through a layering of shapes and colors that feel assembled rather than merely painted.

This interest in the physical components of art is evident in his more sculptural endeavors. He has been known to repurpose the wooden slats from stretcher frames, using these discarded pieces of the process as the actual supports for his three-dimensional works. This habit of looking at the tools and remnants of the studio as part of the art itself gives his practice a grounded, tactile quality.

In one of his notable series, he explored the concept of "Ghostpaintings." These works lean into the ephemeral, using his specific medium to create something that feels as though it is fading or being remembered. Whether he is working on a standard canvas or a found wooden support, there is a consistent focus on how form and color occupy space without needing to be loud or decorative.

Major Solo and Group Exhibitions

Paul Drissen’s presence in the gallery circuit has been marked by a steady rhythm of solo presentations across Europe. In 1996, he brought his work to Galerie Greta Meert in Brussels, establishing a foothold in the Belgian art scene. His relationship with Slewe Gallery in Amsterdam has been particularly enduring, with a solo exhibition there in 2018 and another in 2013. These shows allowed him to present his evolving approach to the medium in a dedicated setting. In 2015, he moved his focus to Tilburg for a solo exhibition at Project Space.

Beyond his individual shows, Drissen has been a frequent participant in group settings that bring various perspectives together. He was part of the 1st Chengdu Biennale in 2017, an experience that placed his work within an international context in China. Closer to home, he contributed to the 'Electricity' exhibition held at Art & Amicitiae in Amsterdam. These collective gatherings have allowed his work to sit alongside many others, testing its place within broader contemporary conversations.

• 2025: Rooted in Change (Schunck, Heerlen)
• 2023: Déjà Vu (Slewe, Amsterdam)
• 2022: Limburg Biennale (Marres, Maastricht)
• 2017: ‘Crossroads’ (Chengdu, China)
• 2012: Evolutie (Mondriaanhuis Amersfoort)

Notable Art Collections and Patrons

The reach of Paul Drissen's work extends into several significant institutional spaces across the Netherlands. His paintings find a home within the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, a place where his visual language is held alongside other important Dutch works. In the south, the Bonnefantenmuseum in Maastricht also maintains pieces from his oeuvre, ensuring his presence in the regional art landscape. His work is also part of the collection at the Gemeentemuseum Den Haag, where his contributions are preserved for public viewing.

Beyond the walls of public museums, Drissen's art has been acquired by prominent corporate collections. His pieces are represented in the ABN AMRO art collection, reflecting the interest of major financial institutions in his specific approach to painting. Additionally, his work is included in the Aegon Art Collection, further demonstrating the presence of his art in professional and private holdings throughout the country.

Where to See His Works Today

Finding a piece of Paul Drissen's work often means visiting some of the most respected institutions in the Netherlands. His presence in public collections allows his quiet, layered approach to be seen in a variety of settings, from major national museums to specialized regional galleries. For those traveling through the southern parts of the country, his work is held in the collection of the Bonnefantenmuseum in Maastricht, a place where his visual language can be experienced alongside other significant figures of modern art.

His reach extends into the collections of several prominent museums and corporate archives. You can find his paintings in the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterloo, and his work is also part of the collection at the Stadsgalerij Heerlen. In the city of Sittard, his art is held in the collection of the DSM. These locations offer a way to see how his use of casein tempera and his interest in the "Ghostpaintings" series translate when viewed in a professional museum environment.

Beyond these specific sites, his art is part of the collection at the Kunstmuseum Den Haag in The Hague. This inclusion in such a significant institution ensures that his contributions to the contemporary Dutch landscape remain accessible to those interested in the evolution of modern painting. Whether in a quiet corner of a regional museum or within a larger national collection, his works continue to exist as part of the ongoing visual history of the Netherlands.