At a glance
A menagerie of satirical ceramic animals—from crocodiles wearing crowns to frogs perched on Roman busts—populates this debut solo show exploring the fine line between folklore and absurdity.
Why go
It marks the first museum solo for rising Dutch ceramicist Onno Theelen, whose work masterfully combines traditional pottery techniques with a subversive, humorous take on classical myths and medieval animal fables.
You'll see
Multi-colored ceramic sculptures · Expressive animal hybrids · Satirical Roman busts · Contemporary vases · Behind-the-scenes studio film
Pace of visit
The sculptures are dispersed between the temporary gallery and the permanent collection, encouraging a search-and-find rhythm throughout the museum.
Don't miss
The Nero with Frogs sculpture, which wittily references an obscure Roman myth while showcasing Theelen’s intricate glazed textures.
Artlovers Tip
Look for the sculptures tucked away in the historic Art Nouveau vitrines; the contrast between the smooth, classic glazes and Theelen’s textured, modern beasts is where the show really comes alive.
Inside the exhibition
Meet the artist
Description
Onno Theelen: Strange Creatures at the Purmerends Museum in Purmerend, Netherlands, is the first major museum solo for the young Dutch ceramicist. Theelen transforms the gallery into a narrative world filled with expressive animal figures that act as mirrors for human behavior and identity. His work draws heavily on folklore and historical storytelling, presenting creatures that are simultaneously whimsical and unsettling.
The exhibition showcases a diverse selection of hand-shaped ceramic sculptures, ranging from hybrid fish vases to satirical busts of Roman emperors adorned with birds and amphibians. Theelen’s process often begins on the pottery wheel before being meticulously sculpted into figurative forms, blending technical refinement with a raw, intuitive sense of humor. A short film provides a rare look at his studio practice, tracing the evolution from wet clay to finished, multi-colored glazes.
What makes this presentation distinct is the integration of Theelen’s contemporary pieces into the museum’s permanent ceramics displays. By placing his avant-garde creations alongside early 20th-century Art Nouveau pottery, the show creates a direct dialogue between Purmerend’s industrial heritage and modern artistic experimentation. It highlights a revival of the grotesque in Dutch art, where technical mastery meets a playful critique of societal power.
Worth travelling for?
A charming and clever stop for visitors who enjoy contemporary ceramics, Dutch folklore, and seeing how emerging artists interact with historic museum settings.
Experience as an Artlover
The museum is housed in the former town hall on the Kaasmarkt; it is open Tuesday through Sunday, and some works are located within the permanent collection upstairs.
Onno Theelen: Strange Creatures
Artlovers relevance
Plan your visit
Purmerends Museum
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
