RUDOLF BIKKERS @ The Benz Gallery

The Benz Gallery is proud to partner with the estate of Rudolf Bikkers, a celebrated Canadian artist and educator with strong ties to London, Ontario. Bikkers was a painter, printmaker, and entrepreneur whose distinctive style and significant influence on contemporary art continue to resonate. At just 17, he became the youngest student admitted to the prestigious Jan Van Eyck Academie in Maastricht on a six-year scholarship, graduating with honors in 1966. He also studied music, including the cello, and after emigrating to Canada in 1966, he went on to teach drawing at H.B. Beal Secondary School and served as Chair of the Printmaking Department at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. In 1975, he founded the Master Print Studio “Editions Canada Inc.,” working with many renowned Canadian and international artists, including Greg Curnoe, Jack Chambers, Ed Bartram, Clark McDougall, Walter Redinger, Claude Breeze, Karel Appel, and Paul Jenkins.

Throughout his career, Bikkers collaborated with numerous influential artists and played a pivotal role in advancing Canadian printmaking. His work and legacy have left an enduring mark, especially within the artistic community. This partnership grants us access to a remarkable collection of his original works and monoprint series. We are dedicated to honoring his memory by sharing his exceptional talent with new audiences and ensuring his contributions to the art world continue to be celebrated.