Pepijn van den Nieuwendijk

Cirque de Pepin

Ceramicist

©Pepijn Van Den Nieuwendijk

Rewriting stories

Pepijn is inspired by natural history and legends
For him, ceramics is a means to play
Visiting China informed his craft

Pepijn van den Nieuwendijk’s world is a journey into fantasy realms as depicted through his ceramics and paintings. The name of his atelier Cirque de Pepin applies the word ‘circus’ to reference the weird and wonderful creatures that he conjures up with his artist’s imagination and with the help of legends and myths from the past. Majolica is the vehicle he uses to showcase resplendent dodos, resurrected from extinction; a dragon emperor and a rat clad in armour. The rodent dons a ceremonial helmet – a nod to war-waging generals throughout history. A statue of a goose references Francisco Verdugo, a 16th century Spanish military commander in the Dutch Revolt. Pepijn’s creations are detailed renderings of often tragi-comic, yet whimsical scenes grounded in the fantastic, as well as the historic.

Where

Interview

©Pepijn Van Den Nieuwendijk

©Pepijn Van Den Nieuwendijk

Why did you choose ceramics?: It’s fun and fascinating and flexible. As it’s such a long process, you have time to come up with ideas and ways to incorporate new elements into the story, adding something to the back of a piece for example.
How would you define what you do?: I try to make up new stories based on those from the past. I’m rewriting the past. A retelling of history in my own unique way. By using old, traditional techniques and looking to the past as a starting point, I then create contemporary art.
What is little known about your work?: Everything made is so very detailed and time-consuming and often frustrating. So much time and energy are invested in the process that it can become uncertain just how it will be received in exhibitions for example. Conceptual art tells a story.
What is a memorable moment from your career?: My first trip to China in 2008 changed my life. It was my first time out of Europe. I visited Fuping, near Xian, working as an artist in residence at the Fule International Ceramic Arts Museum. It broadened my artistic horizons, and it was interesting meeting people from so many different backgrounds.

Pepijn van den Nieuwendijk is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1994 and he started teaching in 2019