VAN EWIJK, AART (1912-1992)

"Doves" (c.1960)
oil on board
73.5 x 58.5cm
signed lower right
*private collection, Sydney
 
Aart van Ewijk was a Dutch illustrator, painter and textile artist. He was originally from Amsterdam, where he also attended the Academy of Fine Arts. He was initially a professional musician before becoming a book illustrator. Van Ewijk has worked on two comics in the 1940s. Van Ewijk has worked in Rheden, Amsterdam, Hilversum and Baarn before in March 1951 migrating to Australia with his family. In Australia, he illustrated many books ranging from school text books to children's books. He also worked as a graphic designer and high school art teacher. Between 1960 and 1982, he exhibited in Sydney and Canberra. In 1958, he was a finalist in the Art Gallery of New South Wales Sir John Pulman Prize and in 1976 received the Chancellor's Award from Macquarie University. Van Ewijk was the longest-running illustrator for the NSW Dept of Education School Magazine.