Hans Hoekstra (b. 1983, Groningen) is a painter living and working in Groningen. He studied at the Kunstacademie Minerva in Groningen (2003–2007) and the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf (2005–2006), before completing a two-year residency at De Ateliers, Amsterdam (2007–2009). More recently, he earned a Master in Arts Education at Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen (2021–2023).

Hoekstra’s work is grounded in close observation, whether directed toward people, objects, or plants. His paintings often focus on a single subject, presented with a heightened sense of presence and atmosphere. Through contrasts of light and shadow, carefully balanced color, and an improvisational approach to composition, he creates images that are at once intimate and dramatic. While his brushwork alternates between precision and openness, the emphasis always rests on the act of looking—on allowing the subject to reveal itself rather than imposing a fixed narrative. The result is a body of work that prioritizes clarity and attentiveness, while leaving space for ambiguity and interpretation.

Hoekstra has exhibited widely in the Netherlands and abroad. Recent solo exhibitions include Gezelschap (2024, Galerie m.simons, Amsterdam), Recente schilderijen (2022, Galerie m.simons, Amsterdam), Winterse Taferelen (2021, Walgenbach Art & Books, Rotterdam), and In het atelier (2019, Villa de Bank, Enschede). Earlier presentations include Postures / Poses (2017, Melklokaal, Heerenveen) and All of us (2014, Drents Museum, Assen).

His work has also been featured in numerous group exhibitions, among them Gen F – 75 jaar figuratieve kunst (2025, Drents Museum, Assen), Vanuit mijn venster (2024, Museum Belvedère, Heerenveen-Oranjewoud), Labyrinthia (2024, Drents Museum, Assen), Unlimited – Zelfportretten uit de eigen collectie (2022, Drents Museum, Assen), Tekenen nu (2017, Museum De Buitenplaats, Eelde), and multiple editions of the Koninklijke Prijs voor de Vrije Schilderkunst (2008, 2009, 2011, 2012). Internationally, he participated in FORCEFIELD Drawing Show (2014, Institut de Carton, Brussels) and Geurt van Dijk und seine Schüler (2008, Kunstverein Emmerich).

Hoekstra’s paintings are represented in several public and private collections, including the Drents Museum (Assen), Museum Belvedère (Heerenveen-Oranjewoud), the AKZO Nobel Art Foundation, the DELA collection, and the Drake collection (Wassenaar).

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