Jan Wils

Jan Wils grew up in Eindhoven during the post-war reconstruction years. As a child, he spent many hours alone in bed due to asthma. During that time, he read stacks of National Geographic magazines. This became his introduction to the English language and to the world beyond. From Papua New Guinea to Africa, he discovered people, their clothing, jewelry and pottery. These early impressions shaped his sensitivity to color and form. Just as influential were the visits to museums and historic buildings with his father, which sparked his lasting appreciation for architecture and beauty.

While his peers played football outside, Wils often walked to Galerie Willy Schoots on Willemstraat in Eindhoven. There, he immersed himself in the work of artists like Karel Appel, Constant and Corneille. These formative experiences made him aware of the richness and diversity of the world, and of the many ways in which people see and interpret it. As both a person and an artist, Jan Wils positions himself in the middle ground. He avoids provocation and polarization. That is simply not his cup of tea.

Wils believes in collaboration and in creating meaningful work with local residents, developers, contractors, municipalities and businesses. At the same time, he aims to challenge and inspire. He is careful not to let his work become neutral or dull. For him, a sculpture should resonate with people and be embraced, while still managing to move and engage.

His sculptures are partly recognizable. You can see what they are, yet they retain a level of abstraction. He works with forms drawn from architecture and from the human body, often using legs as a recurring motif.