Collin van der Sluijs's 'Wanderland' Exhibition: A Journey Through Art, Emotion, and Nature
Collin van der Sluijs's latest exhibition, 'Wanderland,' marks a significant milestone in his artistic journey, representing a culmination of two years of dedicated creation. This collection delves deeply into personal themes of sorrow, convalescence, and the restorative influence of the natural world, all conveyed through a diverse array of mixed-media paintings, intricate drawings, and unique skate deck art. The show is not merely an display of artworks but an invitation into the artist's introspective 'wanderland', where everyday experiences blend seamlessly with profound emotional landscapes.
Artist Collin van der Sluijs Unveils 'Wanderland' in Chicago, Exploring Grief and Nature's Respite
Chicago, July 7, 2026 – The artistic collaboration between Joy Machine and Vertical Gallery proudly announces the opening of Collin van der Sluijs's sixth solo exhibition in the city, titled 'Wanderland.' Commencing on July 10 and continuing through August 22, this much-anticipated show presents a deeply personal new body of work from the acclaimed artist, who has maintained a decade-long partnership with Vertical Gallery. This exhibition also marks van der Sluijs's inaugural presentation at Joy Machine.
'Wanderland' is a vivid tapestry woven from mixed-media paintings, detailed drawings, and uniquely adorned skate decks, each bearing van der Sluijs’s distinctive avian motifs. The collection, developed over a meticulous two-year period, oscillates between grand and ordinary themes, offering a contemplative look at loss, the process of grieving, and the profound therapeutic qualities inherent in nature.
The exhibition's title, a clever fusion of 'wander' and 'wonderland,' perfectly encapsulates van der Sluijs's enduring fascination with creating expansive, almost dreamlike ecosystems within his art. For over a decade, his work has consistently engaged in a form of imaginative world-building, employing a rich palette of oil paints, acrylics, and watercolors to conjure dynamic still lifes and portraits. These often depict figures gracefully enveloped by a sense of controlled chaos. 'Wanderland' continues this artistic lineage, featuring ethereal floral arrangements that subtly nod to his Dutch heritage, alongside a rich amalgamation of symbols and marks that reflect his origins in street art. Patrick Hull, owner and curator of Vertical Gallery, praises van der Sluijs's versatile approach, noting his ability to infuse classical painting styles with a modern sensibility, blending elements of graffiti and illustration.
Van der Sluijs's creative process is characterized by a lengthy journey of experimentation and refinement. He often dedicates years to a single piece, sometimes turning it to the wall for extended periods to gain fresh perspective. This method, he explains, allows him to "make big mistakes and fight my way out of it," a testament to his belief that cultivating wonder and an insatiable desire to explore both his inner emotional world and external environments are fundamental to his artistic practice. For van der Sluijs, 'Wanderland' is not merely a physical journey but a deep dive into the unknown territories of self-discovery and visual creation.
Following a period during the early years of the pandemic that saw him produce a series of darker, more introspective works, 'Wanderland' emerges with a notable shift towards lightness and hope, though not without acknowledging the inherent difficulties and sorrows of life. A significant challenge arose during the exhibition's creation when the artist broke his ankle, preventing him from standing while working on larger canvases. This forced him to adapt, painting from a seated position and engaging with his work in an entirely new and challenging manner.
Despite these physical constraints, van der Sluijs embraced the outdoors more frequently over the past two years. Creating smaller works on paper amidst natural surroundings became a restorative practice, helping him to process the recent passing of a close friend. He emphasizes that these "personal stories... make the context of a show," imbuing his art with layers of deeply felt experience.
To commemorate over a decade of fruitful collaboration, Vertical Gallery has published 'Wanderland: 1991-2026.' This comprehensive book beautifully contrasts van der Sluijs's public persona as a painter, muralist, and graffiti artist with the more intimate moments that define his roles as a husband, son, father, and friend.
An opening reception for 'Wanderland' is scheduled for July 10, from 6 to 8 p.m., where the artist himself will be in attendance.
The 'Wanderland' exhibition by Collin van der Sluijs offers a powerful exploration of the human experience through the lens of art. It reminds us that creativity often blossoms from adversity and that the deepest personal narratives can resonate universally. Van der Sluijs's journey, marked by both physical challenge and profound emotional processing, underscores the transformative power of art and nature in navigating life's complexities. His dedication to his craft, even amidst personal hardship, serves as an inspiring testament to resilience and the enduring human spirit to find beauty and meaning in both the momentous and the mundane.