RW “Rudy” Beerens (Dutch, 1950 – 2023)
R.W. “Rudy” Beerens (1950–2023) was a vibrant and idiosyncratic Dutch artist whose work moves between realism and pop art. From his home base in Maastricht, he developed an expressive visual language full of humanity, freedom, and everyday observations. Beerens was self-taught, with a natural urge to break with conventions. His oeuvre includes paintings, collages, sculptures, and installations. He is known for his striking portraits on wooden panels. His studio served as a haven for artists, musicians, and colorful night-life characters, which enhanced the energy and vibrancy of his work. Posthumously, Beerens’ legacy continues to inspire: raw, honest, and imbued with a pure zest for life.
Beerens’ work has been in the permanent collection of the Bonnefantenmuseum in Maastricht since 1985, which acquired several neon installations, including the neon of “FietsenRudy” (1981–1982). In 2019, Rudy Beerens had a retrospective exhibition at the Bonnefantenmuseum that was part of a larger group exhibition.
Press release: Rudy Beerens curated by Les Deux Garçons
Maastricht artist Rudy Beerens (1950-2023) left behind a colorful and idiosyncratic oeuvre. At the invitation of Hubert Kalkman (Kalkman Gallery), the artist duo Atelier Les Deux Garçons delved into the archives. They selected several dozen artworks on wood, which will be exhibited from December 13th to January 11th at Kalkman Gallery, Hondstraat 1A in Maastricht.
On the collaboration with Les Deux Garçons
Hubert Kalkman: “Just before TEFAF 2025, Michel from Les Deux Garçons bought an artwork by Beerens and was immediately thrilled. That’s how the first seed for this special collaboration was planted. I really wanted to exhibit Rudy Beerens’ work, but I was looking for a new approach, a twist. I immediately thought of Les Deux Garçons, and it turned out to be a perfect fit.”
Les Deux Garçons, the artistic duo Michel Vanderheijden van Tinteren and Roel Moonen, are not traditional (museum) curators, but neither is Beerens a traditional artist. The duo selected the artworks for this exhibition with a fresh and creative eye. With an eye for tensions, contrasts, and unexpected connections, the end result offers a coherent and powerful overview of Beerens’ work.
Kalkman Gallery and Rudy Beerens
The collaboration between Hubert Kalkman and Rudy Beerens began in February 2015. Since Rudy Beerens’s death in 2023, Hubert Kalkman has been caring for his artistic legacy on behalf of his daughter, Perla Vita Beerens. “When Rudy was on his deathbed, he specifically asked me to manage his work on behalf of his daughter and continue to sell it. This way, even after his death, his work could still contribute something to his daughter. After all, she had lived with it her entire life.”
