KunstRAI has presented countless works of art in recent years, creative, crazy, inspiring and impressive creations. In this article, we discuss six artworks that left a lasting impression.
Bart Jansen, Orvillecopter, 2012
First of all, artist Bart Jansen’s Orvillecopter from 2012. When his cat Orville (named after the famous aeroplane inventor Orville Wright) was tragically killed in a collision, Janssen decided to give his beloved pet a special transformation. He mounted Orville and transformed him into a working helicopter. With propellers under his paws and a mechanism in his belly, the cat could actually fly. The flying Orville then glided across the exhibition floor, which was not without its critics, including the Party for the Animals.
Bart Jansen, Pino, 2013
A year later, Bart Janssen pulled off another daring stunt, this time not with a deceased pet, but with the iconic children’s character Pino from Sesame Street. Pino, who had been hit by a car, lay on the sidewalk outside the entrance to the fair. No visitor could avoid Pino’s body. With this provocative installation, Janssen wanted to draw attention to the threat to nature reserves, which are increasingly having to make way for highways. According to the artist, Pino was the last bird that could die in a beautiful, innocent way, but unfortunately he became a victim of encroaching civilization.
Ayako Rokkaku, live schilderperformance, 2019
In 2019, Japanese artist Ayako Rokkaku gave a live painting performance in the exhibition space of KunstRAI. Rokkaku, a self-taught artist, works in a unique way by applying acrylic paint to canvas or cardboard with her bare hands. She paints purely by feel, creating a harmonious composition. She prefers to paint on canvases larger than herself, so that she can literally feel the paint flowing through her body as she moves from corner to corner. Her work is often characterised by manga-style Japanese girls with big eyes and long legs. This year Ayako Rokkaku’s work can also be admired at KunstRAI, namely at Kunsthandel E.J. van Wisselingh & Co.
Viktor Frešo, The Birth of the Niemand, 2019
Another impressive artwork at KunstRAI was The Birth of the Nobody by Viktor Frešo. This work consists of 16 large human sculptures: men with disproportionately large heads and angry expressions, placed on a square pedestal. The figures symbolise negative emotions that people often try to hide, such as malice, inferiority complex and unhealthy self-confidence. The work is a humorous critique of the art scene. Frešo’s work can also be seen at KunstRAI 2025, on show at Wanrooij Gallery.
Thom Puckey, Figure on Bed with Camera and Weapons, 2023
During KunstRAI 2023, several works by Tom Puckey were presented at WOW Amsterdam, including Figure on Bed with Camera and Weapons. This sculpture depicts a naked woman lying on a bed with her arms stretched out as if she is ‘taking a selfie’, while a weapon lies next to her. Puckey often combines the human figure, especially the female nude, with mechanical elements such as weapons and visual instruments. This interaction is both confrontational and alienating for the viewer. The image evokes discomfort, with the ambiguity of the situation challenging the viewer to consider the meaning and message behind the combination of female vulnerability and aggressive, technical attributes.
Floris Hovers, Playful Connected City, 2023
A final inspiring work is Playful Connected City by Floris Hover, which was also shown at KunstRAI 2023. This work is a miniature city built from leftover wood and recycled materials. The fantasy city was born out of Hover’s nostalgia for his childhood, when he copied everything in his own way, a habit he continues to this day. His longing for childlike simplicity is evident in this work. Playful Connected City reflects this playful approach to the world around him.
Works by Floris Hovers can be seen at KunstRAI again this year, including at Post Modern Collection, Wanrooij Gallery and Gallery Untitled.
Of course, we also have many special works in store this year! Curious about what to expect? Get your ticket in advance at the ticketshop!