My first ever solo exhibition took place at Ruby Soho gallery in Den Bosch. It was a special moment for me, and I’m grateful to have shared it in such a beautiful space. Here’s what Ruby Soho wrote about my exhibition Inner Wilderness on their website:
“Ruby Soho is delighted to present Inner Wilderness, the solo exhibition by Utrecht-based artist Bob Mollema. In this show, Mollema presents a series of new drawings and oil paintings in which he delves into the foundations of his artistic practice. Inner Wilderness features his distinctive characters, mythical creatures, flora, fauna, and elusive texts in intriguing works on paper and canvas.
Mollema’s work is raw and sincere, created with chalk, pencil, or oil paint. Embracing chance, imperfection, and the tactile nature of analog media, he explores a pursuit of purity and authenticity. His artistic practice blends elements from mythology and popular culture, merging the everyday with the inexplicable. Mollema does not limit himself to a single medium—his work appears on record covers, murals, in concerts, publications, on skateboards, and fashion.
Speaking about his work, Mollema says:
“In my work, I try to be guided by mythological motifs to get closer to my inner wilderness. I believe that this wilderness can speak when I look at the world with honest, non-conformist eyes. It’s a personal battle against the smoothing uniformity that devours the texture and beauty of difference. I don’t let myself be led by a desired outcome, but aim to stay as close as possible to my natural signature so that the aesthetics remain pure, honest, naïve, and untouched.”
You may have already come across Mollema’s work in publications like National Geographic, de Volkskrant, or Vrij Nederland—or perhaps at De Bijenkorf, on clothing from fashion brand Volcom, or in posters for music venue Paradiso. Inner Wilderness is nourished by authenticity and serves as an act of rebellion against the uniformity that is slowly devouring the world.
Inner Wilderness, Mollema’s first solo exhibition at Ruby Soho, opens on Friday, April 4 at 19:00 in the presence of the artist and can be visited until Saturday, May 3.”
Photo’s by Thomas van Oorschot