Dutch Art: Bas Sebus Blends the Real and Surreal

Original art plans for Eurodam called for all inside staterooms to be adorned with a beautiful collection of giclee prints (pronounced zhee-clay; a recently invented ink-jet printing process that is a high-quality method of art reproduction) of the work of Dutch painter Bas Sebus. But Holland America Line President and CEO Stein Kruse liked Sebus’ work so much he suggested the artist’s prints be used in all of the ship’s staterooms.

Sebus says the content of his images originates from philosophical and literary sources, resulting in paintings that illustrate an idea and are highly communicative and often whimsical.

Despite his talent, Sebus did not start out as a painter; the 46-year-old originally studied medicine in Amsterdam. He taught himself how to paint in oil and tempera by reading books. As a result, Sebus developed a unique style that shares the technical merits of the traditional Dutch school of realistic painters, but blends in a touch of the surreal.

Sebus’ work is in great demand by private collectors as well as large companies. He has created large-scale panels for several restaurants on Holland America Line ships, including Statendam and Amsterdam.