This presentation is about people in all their forms: from run-of-the-mill passers-by to overarching (arche)types. Hans Bosman (1958–2012) and Loes Enklaar (1950–2017) focused on the essence of being: emotions, humanity and connection. In their portraits, often painted against a plain background, they were not concerned with likeness, but with finding the universal. By omitting personality traits, they created a sense of ambiguity and emphasised that which unites us as human beings.
Museum MORE will be exhibiting a selection of eight works by these artists: four by Enklaar and four by Bosman. This presentation will be on display from 13 April to 31 August 2025.
Shared focus
Bosman and Enklaar shared not only their focus on people, but also their use of colour. Cool grey and blue shades dominate their work, with primarily Enklaar adding an occasional bright colour highlight. Their diffuse painting style gives the impression of a haze, as if the figures are being viewed through frosted glass. Another striking parallel is the elongated canvas that both artists often use.
About Enklaar and Bosman
Loes Enklaar was 42 when she started her career as an artist at the Academy of Fine Arts in Arnhem, having previously been a dancer and dance instructor. After an injury brought a premature end to her dancing career, Enklaar decided to pursue her art – a passion that she had fostered since her youth. She retrained as a certified art teacher, and started work at the Arnhem Volksuniversiteit (adult education centre). Enklaar ultimately stopped teaching to focus on her own artistry, a pursuit that she continued until her death. Museum MORE acquired work by Enklaar for its collection in 2024.
As a child, Hans Bosman could often be found drawing at the kitchen table. Despite having no formal training, he was accepted straight into the art academy in Enschede. Bosman was subsequently invited to attend the Rijksakademie in Amsterdam, from where he graduated two years later. His strict work ethic and relentless focus on his artistic growth earned Bosman public recognition, and he was eventually able to make a living from his art. Bosman’s work has been acquired for the collections of Museum de Fundatie, ABN Amro, the Municipality of Weesp (now Amsterdam) and the City of Deventer.
Enklaar and Bosman met 2001, and subsequently lived and worked in Deventer for the rest of their days.
