Onno Theelen's Strange Snouts

The multicoloured, expressive animal figures each have their own character and refer to myths, sagas and fables from different cultures. Humour, wonder and a certain alienation play an important role in his work. Vreemde Snuiters is Theelen's first solo museum exhibition.

Dutch artist Onno Theelen (born 1996) creates ceramic sculptures that balance between folklore, fable and fantasy. In his world, animals play the leading role: carriers of human characteristics, mirrors of behaviour and identity.

In Vreemde Snuiters, the Purmerends Museum presents a colourful selection of expressive animal figures. Each creature has its own character and refers to myths, sagas and fables from various cultures. Humour, wonder and a touch of alienation form the common thread.

The exhibition links up with old storytelling traditions, such as medieval animal stories. As in Van den Vos Reynaerde, Theelen uses animals to look at human and social themes from a distance. This creates layered works that both aesthetically seduce and substantively challenge.

Visitors will discover a mix of technically refined ceramics and playfully hand-shaped sculptures, in which attention to detail and craftsmanship are central. Some works are additionally displayed in the museum's permanent ceramics exhibition, creating a dialogue between past and present. A short film offers a glimpse into the artist's studio and shows the creative process behind this exhibition. Strange Snouts is Theelen's first museum solo exhibition.