Willem Frederik "Jits" Bakker (1937 – 2014) was a Dutch sculptor, painter, visual artist, watercolorist, draftsman, and silversmith.[1][2][3]
Jits Bakker | |
|---|---|
 Sundance (1998), Loulé Algarve-Portugal | |
| Born | Willem Frederik Bakker July 6, 1937 |
| Died | June 5, 2014 (aged 76) |
| Website | jitsbakkercollectie |
Career
editJits Bakker was a prolific artist whose career spanned over five decades. Primarily a sculptor, working with bronze and marble, he was also skilled in painting, glasswork, graphic design, and jewelry making. His work earned him international recognition through commissions from both the Netherlands and other countries.[4]
Bakker's artistic style ranged from expressive and energetic to quiet and introspective. The human form was his central theme, and he drew inspiration from classical mythology, music, dance, and sports.[5]
Honors
editJits Bakker received numerous honors and accolades throughout his career, including:
- Ereburger (Honorary Citizen) of Turku, Finland (2008)
- Ereburger (Honorary Citizen) of Renkum, Netherlands (2014)
- Ereburger (Honorary Citizen) of Loulé, Portugal (2006)
His artwork was also collected by various world leaders and prominent figures, including members of the British and Dutch royal families.
Bakker's achievements extended beyond his sculptures. A film portrait titled "Bronze Alive" about Bakker, directed by Tom Manders Jr., won the De Golden Image Award in New York in 1978. He also received the Movado Museum Prize in 1995.[5]
Jits Bakker was awarded the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) "Sport and Art Award" posthumously in December 2014. This award acknowledged his work in promoting the Olympic values and their importance to sports.[4]
Gallery
edit-
Peuters (1999), Utrecht -
Krachtmeting (1974), Ede -
Europa en de Stier (1998), De Bilt -
Sun in the Wings (2008), Amsterdam Schiphol Airport -
Pauze (1982), Provincial Library Center in Assen -
Karnster (1979), Nieuwstad behind the Waag, in Leeuwarden
References
edit- ^ de Kruijff, Nils (2023-03-10). "Zoveelste roof van kunstwerk Jits Bakker snijdt door ziel van zoon Tibo: 'Alsof ze een kind van je wegnemen'". Algemeen Dagblad (in Dutch). Retrieved 2024-05-21.
- ^ "Standbeeld de Tourrenners in aanloop naar Vuelta geplaatst op Ledig Erf in Utrecht". De Utrechtse Internet Courant. 2022-08-08. Retrieved 2024-05-21.
- ^ "85 Jaar kunstenaar Jits Bakker". www.stadwageningen.nl (in Dutch). 2022-07-06. Retrieved 2024-05-21.
- ^ a b "Bakker, Willem Frederik ('Jits');". Museum Veluwezoom (in Dutch). Retrieved 2024-05-21.
- ^ a b "Informatie over Jits Bakker". KIJKEN NAAR BEELDEN (in Dutch). 2018-12-12. Retrieved 2024-05-21.