Introducing SWELL ART: A Note from the Curator

Dear people,

The SWELL ART website and store are now live in their first, compact form! We're stoked to have you here as one of the first visitors. I’d like to tell you a bit about this new art platform, and why I’ve started it. In recent years, alongside creating my own work, I’ve begun collecting art that reflects my fascination with the sea, space, and natural elements. Art that inspires me and has a strong personal resonance. Now, I’m starting to cooperate with these talented artists, which is very special to me. Through SWELL ART, we bring attention to visual art inspired by the oceans and surf culture. We offer curated collections of limited edition photo prints, art prints, and paintings, all available in the SWELL ART web store, delivered throughout Europe.

The first artist we’re proud to present is Dim Rooker from Scheveningen. His works evoke a sense of adventure and the exploration of new coastlines. Dim creates raw, layered collages from objects washed ashore, collected on the beach of Scheveningen. Take a look at his video portrait and the available works. During this preview, you have the exclusive opportunity to be the first to purchase one of his pieces. It’s a great chance to acquire an original work by Dim Rooker at a special price. On 15 October, the site will officially open to the public.

If you’re wondering why I’m so fascinated by the oceans, coastal culture, and art, I think it has a lot to do with surfing waves and having spent a lot of time in the ocean, surrounded by constantly changing water, light and open horizons. These experiences I express in my own personal work and, I guess also recognize in others art. Together with my girlfriend and two daughters I live by the beach in Scheveningen, The Netherlands, and have just returned from a surf session as I write this. Surfing has been a wonderful and enriching thing in my life, and over the years, I've traveled extensively to coastlines across the globe. This curiosity and drive to explore only seem to grow with time. Each year, we plan trips in search of waves, inspiring people, art, and wild nature—something I can't see changing anytime soon. Who knows we will meet somewhere out there!

Best,
Alrik Swagerman
Curator, SWELL ART