AAA
The Rotterdam–based artistic collective ‘AAA’ continues to bring ecstasy and thrill to the global art scene from the historic Dutch city. Inspired by their upbringing in the ‘Gateway to Europe’, Hans Kleinjan (1958), Maikel Kleinjan (1984) and Roderik Faasen (1990) have developed their unique signature artistic movement for upwards of a decade.
A product of what they call ‘Maniacism’, their paintings come to life through both individual prowess and unmatched collaborative efforts. A sure sight to behold, their collaborations – dubbed ‘AAA Collabs’ entail a simultaneous painting effort, where the three artists paint side-by-side in a live setting, concluding with astonishing pieces of artistry.
For them, ‘Maniacism’ as an artistic movement represents the “information–overload era we live in today. A continuously accelerating change of perspective that fuels AAA with inspiration and passion”
The Artists
Hans Kleinjan
20th May 1958, Rotterdam
Hans is a qualified dentist as well as an artist and believes there are similarities between the two crafts: "Both involve the creative processes of attempting to solve a continuous series of problems in an esthetic manner. The thought processes are the same, it’s just a different medium."
Maikel KleinJan
27th Aug. 1984, Rotterdam
Maikel spent his childhood near the Mediterranean town of Valencia in Spain. He has a background in photography and visual and sound design at the University of Valencia. He moved to Rotterdam in 2009. “Teaming up with Hans was the ideal way to further develop my artistic skills.”
Roderik Faasen
9th Oct. 1990, Rotterdam
Roderik grew up in Rotterdam, leaving school he decided to follow his interest in art. With the profits from his first exhibition he travelled to New York where he felt freedom for the first time in his life. “When I walked into Hans' gallery I realized that this was the creative environment I was searching for.”
Maniacism
Despite their differences and individual styles, Hans, Maikel and Roderik have a common goal: joining the ranks of the great artists by creating amazing artwork defined by a new style. Realizing they were in the right city at the right time with the right people, it wasn't long before they shared a canvas to create their first painting as a collective. Over a decade and many collaborations later, AAA has a distinct recognizable style. It's fresh, colorful and energetic, a wild driving force of enthusiasm that they define in one word — "Maniacism."
AAA is determined to spread positive sentiment to influence, connect and inspire people through the universal language of art on a global scale.
The three artists have influenced and partially defined the culture of Rotterdam by creating a space where people from every walk of life, background or age range feel welcome and respected, and filling it with colorful huge artworks.
Their 700m2 studio is visited by artists, models, DJs, musicians, thinkers and a whole range of everything in between. As Rotterdam is different from every other place in Holland, the studio is unique.
If you are ever in the area make sure you step into the AAA Gallery, or as its founders call it "the living room of Rotterdam." Within no time you’ll be immersed in the rock and roll lifestyle that inspires these unique artists' creative processes.