Mo Hofstede is a Rotterdam-based Illustrator and pre-medical student whose illustrations are rooted in a hope to generate understanding and derive meaning. His illustrative practice bears resemblance to a Frankenstein-esque patchwork, a process of deconstruction and reconstruction that redefines its subjects.
Hofstede's art thrives on the interplay of contrasts, such as the synthetic with the natural. His work is imbued with a sense of critical examination, precision, and at times, a hint of macabre intrigue. At its core, his work centres the human form, whether on a macro or microscopic level, both the figurative and the abstract.
A true polymath, Mo Hofstede operates as a sense-maker amidst organised chaos. He embodies the roles of a collector and synthesiser, weaving together disparate elements into cohesive narratives. While some of his illustrations delve into the personal, they maintain an overarching connection to broader themes of life and experience.
His academic background ground his illustrations in research, bringing depth and structure to his work. Due to this research, Hofstede is open to external stimuli and collaboration to inform his work. He appreciates the complexity and nuance resulting from these observations.
Currently, Hofstede is looking to explore the boundaries between science and art through research, experimentation and play. Through his work, he aims to critique conventional approaches to scientific inquiry through an artistic lens. This has led to his newly found interest in the world of BioArt.
[Willem de Kooning Academie]
[2021 - ongoing][Erasmus University College]
[2018] - [2020][Western Academy of Beijing]