The Life and Background of Bert Kienjet

Bert Kienjet is a Dutch visual artist whose origins are rooted in the specific industrial and artistic history of Leiden. Born in 1952, his connection to the craft of printmaking is not a mere coincidence of career choice but a direct result of his birthplace. He was born in Galgewater, a district in Leiden situated immediately adjacent to a copper-engraving printing house and the house where Rembrandt was born. This proximity to the physical tools of historical printmaking established a tangible link to the technical traditions of the region from his earliest years.

The artist’s background is defined by this intersection of geography and craft. Growing up in the shadow of Leiden's engraving history provided a foundation that informs his professional identity. Kienjet’s work is a product of this specific environment, where the mechanical and the manual have long coexisted. His presence in the art world is marked by this technical lineage, moving from the historic streets of Leiden to the diverse landscapes that later became his primary focus.

Artistic Technique and Subject Matter

Kienjet relies on etching, an artisanal printing method rooted in the medieval gunsmith’s trade. This is a technical, demanding process. He uses wax and strong acid to carve images into metal plates, a method that requires precision and a deep understanding of chemical reactions. His background in Leiden, situated near a copper-engraving printing house, informs this technical rigor. He does not merely draw; he etches with a specific competence that demands practice and skill.

His focus remains fixed on the landscape and history of Curaçao. He captures the ruggedness of the island's nature, specifically the isolation of the Curaçao ‘mondi’. These etchings document the beauty of the woodlands through a lens of physical exploration. His work often intersects with archaeology, as he has spent time with the Curaçao Archaeology Working Group to find inspiration in the terrain. This connection between the physical land and the historical traces left behind defines his output.

The subject matter extends beyond simple scenery to include the intangible elements of the island. He explores the power of ancestral images and the artifacts found within the landscape. His etchings serve as a visual record of both the natural environment and the historical layers embedded in the soil.

Exhibitions and Activity in Curaçao

Kienjet’s presence in the Caribbean is defined by a sustained engagement with the local landscape and history. His work moved from the Curaçao Museum in 2012 to more specific, focused presentations in later years. In 2017, he held an exhibition at Gallery Alma Blou, which opened on January 14. This period of activity demonstrates a consistent commitment to documenting the island through his specific printmaking lens.

The 2020 exhibition at the Curaçao Museum, titled ‘IN DE BOSSCHEN IN HET 5DE DISTRICT’ (In the woodlands of district 5), offered a structured look at the island's environment. This exhibition opened on Thursday, January 16, 2020. The presentation was organized into three distinct categories: the woodlands, the ancestors, and the archaeology sleuths. These themes reflect his direct involvement with the local terrain, specifically through his hikes with the Curaçao Archaeology Working Group.