Draft:Michael Tedja

Michael Tedja is a visual artist that was born in 1971 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. He studied at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam, where he graduated with a degree in painting. Tedja furthered his studies at the Sandberg Institute, also in Amsterdam, where he completed a Master's degree in Fine Arts. He is known for his multidisciplinary approach, working in painting, drawing, sculpture, writing, and curating. His work often explores themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the complexities of the post-colonial world. Tedja’s oeuvre is characterized by its vibrant color palette, dynamic compositions, and an interplay between abstraction and figuration. Tedja's work is deeply influenced by his Surinamese heritage and his experiences growing up in the Netherlands. His art often reflects a fusion of different cultural elements and historical references, creating a unique visual language that challenges conventional narratives. Tedja's approach to art-making is holistic, viewing his creative practice as a way to navigate and understand the complexities of the world.

Tedja has exhibited his work in numerous solo and group exhibitions internationally. Some notable exhibitions include "The Color Guide Series," Kunsthal KAdE, Amersfoort, Netherlands (2014), "A Literary Portrait," Cobra Museum of Modern Art, Amstelveen, Netherlands (2016), "Art is the Antidote," TENT Rotterdam, Netherlands (2019), "Prospect 3: Notes for Now," New Orleans Biennial, USA (2014), "The Stedelijk Museum Collection," Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam, Netherlands (2017), "Gwangju Biennale," Gwangju, South Korea (2018)

Tedja is also a prolific writer and has published several books that blend fiction, autobiography, and art criticism. Some of his notable works include "Hosselen" (2009), "De Bril" (2011),  "The Holarium: Negeren Series" (2016)

Throughout his career, Michael Tedja has received several awards and accolades for his contributions to contemporary art, including: - The Royal Award for Modern Painting (1996) - The Amsterdam Prize for the Arts (2018)