Johan Claassen (1943-2023) was a versatile Dutch artist, born in Beek en Donk. He was active as a sculptor, painter, draftsman and assemblage artist. Claassen studied at the Academy for Industrial Design in Eindhoven and later taught at various art academies.
His work focused on human interaction with nature. For example, he documented the remains left behind in a metal factory in Helmond between closure and demolition, which resulted in the project 'Fabriekswerk' (1980). In addition, from 1974 onwards he photographed and filmed scarecrows in his area and beyond. Claassen had the wind make drawings, known as 'Aeolografieën' (1976), and built a cloud observatory in the IJsselmeer (1978).
His work is characterized by a mixture of melancholy and humor and has a strong associative character. He was also a collector of his own dreams, which he processed in his art. In 2009 he published the book 'AEOLOS', in which he tells about his work and sources of inspiration.
Claassen exhibited his work in various museums and galleries, including the Noordbrabants Museum.
His work is included in several collections and is still valued for his unique approach to art and nature.
