Kees Grootenboer
Cornelio "Kees" Grootenboer Buit is a Mexican painter and sculptor of Dutch descent who has left an indelible mark on the world of contemporary art. Born in Mexico City in 1940 to Dutch diplomat parents, his life was marked by constant travels that exposed him to diverse cultures in Mexico, Spain, and Venezuela. This cultural enrichment, though challenging during his childhood, nurtured his artistic vision and became an inexhaustible source of inspiration.
During his adolescence in Madrid, the landscapes of the Prado countryside awakened his artistic sensitivity. Kees later moved to the Netherlands to study at the prestigious Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten (National Academy of Fine Arts) in Amsterdam. Initially focused on sculpture, he soon turned his attention to painting, where he developed a unique and deeply evocative style.
Grootenboer’s paintings are characterized by their abstract nature, featuring floating human figures integrated into landscapes transformed into dreamlike spaces. His compositions stand out for their bright colors, rounded shapes, and pronounced curves, evoking a sense of movement and reverie. Influenced by classical impressionists, particularly Paul Cézanne, his work merges the traditional with the contemporary, creating a visual language that is both familiar and avant-garde.
In the 1970s, Kees settled in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, where he found a new source of inspiration in the natural and cultural richness of the region. The majesty of the mountains and the vibrant traditions of the local indigenous peoples are reflected in his palette and artistic forms. In addition to painting, he explored architecture, designing organic structures that blend functionality and art, reminiscent of the influence of Antoni Gaudí.
Grootenboer’s career includes numerous solo and group exhibitions in cities such as Mexico City, Havana, Caracas, Villahermosa, and San Cristóbal de las Casas. His contributions to art also encompass community projects in Chiapas, where he integrated his artistic vision into architectural and infrastructure works that benefit local communities.
Today, Kees Grootenboer remains a key figure in Mexican art, whose legacy endures in every brushstroke, sculpture, and structure bearing his signature. His work is a tribute to the intersection of cultures, nature, and creativity, making him a truly universal artist.