Jan Pieter Fokkens

Dutch, b. 1979

The colorful paintings of Jan Pieter Fokkens transport us to distant worlds beyond our comprehension. Within seemingly infinite networks of lines, dots, and crosses, he decodes the recognizable to create something unfamiliar.

Each two-dimensional work begins with a photo captured by a deep-space telescope. Despite their photographic realism, “these beautiful images of outer space are not real,” says Fokkens. “They are contrived to show us some utopian sci-fi landscape — as though one could stare at them from a field of grass on a nearby planet. What is real is the sense of wonder they emit.” Colorized to convey depth and scale, such images have already been altered to make impossible sights more easily consumable.

With the aid of custom algorithms, Fokkens further manipulates the “fake pixels” of these images, extracting qualities such as pattern, form, and color. He then hand-paints these abstracted qualities as isolated points on canvas. Despite his methodical process, his paintings honor a romantic sense of beauty and capture the sense of longing and wonder one feels when they look out at the stars.

Inspired by early non-representational art, Fokkens treats his abstractions as a means of manipulating reality. Up-close, they might remind us of modernist paintings by the likes of Seurat or Mondrian. There is movement in the still image – moments within the composition that shift in and out of sight, that obscure and reveal the longer you look. Endlessly generating new experiences of perspective, Fokkens’s paintings challenge our perceptions and allow us to peer into other worlds.

Find original Jan Pieter Fokkens paintings on 1stDibs.

Creator: Jan Pieter Fokkens

“Weird Adventure” by Jan Pieter Fokkens

$6,380 / set

“Weird Adventure” by Jan Pieter Fokkens

By Jan Pieter Fokkens

Located in Chicago, IL

Chicago-based artist Jan Pieter Fokkens uses his work as a means of processing the incomprehensible. Navigating the relationship between algorithmic abstraction and the tangible qualities of pattern and color, Fokkens meditates on how we as viewers negotiate our realities. Entitled "Weird Adventure," this diptych depicts a still from the Italian Classic film...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Jan Pieter Fokkens

Materials

Canvas

"Study for SWEEPS" by Jan Pieter Fokkens

$2,480

"Study for SWEEPS" by Jan Pieter Fokkens

By Jan Pieter Fokkens

Located in Chicago, IL

The colorful paintings of Jan Pieter Fokkens transport us to distant worlds beyond our comprehension. Within seemingly infinite networks of lines, dots, and crosses, he decodes the r...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Jan Pieter Fokkens

Materials

Canvas

"Study for Caldwell 49" by Jan Pieter Fokkens

$2,480

"Study for Caldwell 49" by Jan Pieter Fokkens

By Jan Pieter Fokkens

Located in Chicago, IL

The colorful paintings of Jan Pieter Fokkens transport us to distant worlds beyond our comprehension. Within seemingly infinite networks of lines, dots, and crosses, he decodes the r...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Jan Pieter Fokkens

Materials

Paint, Canvas

"Study for Tarantula Nebula" by Jan Pieter Fokkens

$4,280

"Study for Tarantula Nebula" by Jan Pieter Fokkens

By Jan Pieter Fokkens

Located in Chicago, IL

Entitled "Study for Tarantula Nebula," this painting by Chicago-based artist Jan Pieter Fokkens offers a representation of the gigantic star-forming region of the same name. Located ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Jan Pieter Fokkens

Materials

Canvas

"Study for SWEEPS" by Jan Pieter Fokkens

$1,680

"Study for SWEEPS" by Jan Pieter Fokkens

By Jan Pieter Fokkens

Located in Chicago, IL

Inspired by images of deep space, computer compression algorithms, and early non-representational art, Chicago-based artist Jan Pieter Fokkens uses the tangible qualities of pattern and color to interpret unimaginable sights. Entitled "Study for SWEEPS," this work offers a representation of the Sagittarius Window Eclipsing Extrasolar Planet Search, Hubble’s seven-day-long survey of 180,000 stars in order to detect extrasolar planets. Using data from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Jan Pieter Fokkens

Materials

Paper

"Study for Event Horizon" by Jan Pieter Fokkens

$2,280

"Study for Event Horizon" by Jan Pieter Fokkens

By Jan Pieter Fokkens

Located in Chicago, IL

Inspired by images of deep space, computer compression algorithms, and early non-representational art, Chicago-based artist Jan Pieter Fokkens uses the tangible qualities of pattern ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Jan Pieter Fokkens

Materials

Paper

"E0102-72.3" by Jan Pieter Fokkens

$3,680

"E0102-72.3" by Jan Pieter Fokkens

By Jan Pieter Fokkens

Located in Chicago, IL

The colorful paintings of Jan Pieter Fokkens transport us to distant worlds beyond our comprehension. Within his seemingly infinite networks of lines, dots, and crosses, he decodes t...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Jan Pieter Fokkens

Materials

Paper

"NGC-6397" by Jan Pieter Fokkens

$2,880

"NGC-6397" by Jan Pieter Fokkens

By Jan Pieter Fokkens

Located in Chicago, IL

Chicago-based artist Jan Pieter Fokkens uses his work as a means of processing the incomprehensible. Navigating the relationship between algorithmic abstraction and the tangible qual...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Jan Pieter Fokkens

Materials

Paper

"NGC-3201" by Jan Pieter Fokkens

$2,880

"NGC-3201" by Jan Pieter Fokkens

By Jan Pieter Fokkens

Located in Chicago, IL

Chicago-based artist Jan Pieter Fokkens uses his work as a means of processing the incomprehensible. Navigating the relationship between algorithmic abstraction and the tangible qualities of pattern and color, Fokkens meditates on how reality is mediated by digital image. Entitled "NGC-3201," this vibrant drawing offers a representation of the globular cluster NGC-3201. Using an image taken by the NASA/ESA Hubble...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Jan Pieter Fokkens

Materials

Paper

Large Abstract Drawing by G. Bradshaw-Smith

$950Sale Price|74% Off

H 31 in W 50.25 in D 1.5 in

Large Abstract Drawing by G. Bradshaw-Smith

By Gillian Bradshaw-Smith

Located in NYC, NY

A large fine pastel drawing of an abstract figure from the Cordier and Ekstrom Gallery, Madison Avenue, New York by Gillian Bradshaw-Smith.

Category

1970s American Vintage Jan Pieter Fokkens

Materials

Paper

"Spirit of Oshkosh, " Art Deco Mural Study by Eugene Savage, 1937

$8,500

H 24 in W 33.75 in D 1 in

"Spirit of Oshkosh, " Art Deco Mural Study by Eugene Savage, 1937

By Eugene Francis Savage

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This very rare and important study for "The Spirit of Oshkosh," a major mural in Wisconsin, was painted by Eugene Savage in 1937. Savage is best know...

Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Jan Pieter Fokkens

Materials

Paint

Paper Collage by Knute Stiles, 1961

$3,800

H 32 in W 21.5 in D 1 in

Paper Collage by Knute Stiles, 1961

By Knute Stiles

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

Knute Stiles-painter, art critic and poet was born in Minnesota in 1923 and died in Tuscon, Arizona in 2009. He attended the St. Paul Art School and later...

Category

1960s Modern Vintage Jan Pieter Fokkens

Materials

Paper

Painting "Ritratto a un solo tratto" by Enzio Wenk, 2001

$641

H 11.03 in W 13.78 in D 1.19 in

Painting "Ritratto a un solo tratto" by Enzio Wenk, 2001

By Enzio Wenk

Located in Bresso, Lombardy

Marker on paper.

Category

Early 2000s Italian Jan Pieter Fokkens

Materials

Paper

French Surrealism Lithograph manner of Dali by B.A.G. Guillot

$890

H 25.5 in W 19.5 in D 0.02 in

French Surrealism Lithograph manner of Dali by B.A.G. Guillot

Located in Miami, FL

Original Surrealism Black and White Lithograph An intriguing piece of art piece signed B.A.G. Guillot. This is a limited edition number 1/25, and E.A. or epreuve d'artiste. Guillo...

Category

20th Century French Post-Modern Jan Pieter Fokkens

Materials

Paper

Original Abstract Acrylic on Board by Rick Orr

$4,500

H 29.25 in W 53.25 in D 1.25 in

Original Abstract Acrylic on Board by Rick Orr

By Rick Orr

Located in Palm Springs, CA

Original large abstract painting by American listed artist Rick Orr. This is an acrylic on board, with a gold leaf wood frame. Measurements: 53.25” Wide, 29.25” High. 1.25” Deep.

Category

2010s American Modern Jan Pieter Fokkens

Materials

Gold Leaf

KEITH HARING Marker Pen Drawing on Image by Kim Basinger, Signed, 1987

$23,370

H 16.93 in W 10.83 in D 0.04 in

KEITH HARING Marker Pen Drawing on Image by Kim Basinger, Signed, 1987

By Keith Haring

Located in Beuzevillette, FR

Unique piece. Rare drawing - Keith Haring - on a magazine page representing the American actress Kim Basinger. The drawing appears on the back of the page, which features a second ph...

Category

1980s American Vintage Jan Pieter Fokkens

Materials

Paper

Large Portuguese Tile Mural "Ladies by the Lake" Hand Painted & Signed by Artist

$10,358Sale Price|10% Off

H 59 in W 112.1 in D 0.19 in

Large Portuguese Tile Mural "Ladies by the Lake" Hand Painted & Signed by Artist

Located in Baldock, England

Beautiful tile mural with the "LADIES BY THE LAKE" motif finely painted. Quantity: 190 tiles Tile mural size: 59"H X 112.1"W (150cm X 285cm) Tile size: 5.9"H X 5.9"W (15cm X 15cm) ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Jan Pieter Fokkens

Materials

Ceramic, Paint, Clay

Trio Of Birds By Marianne Starck For Michael Andersen. Danish Wall Plaque

$892

H 6.5 in W 9.5 in D 1 in

Trio Of Birds By Marianne Starck For Michael Andersen. Danish Wall Plaque

By Marianne Starck

Located in Rothley, Leicestershire

Trio of birds wall plaque, by Marianne Starck for Michael Andersen, Denmark Amusing trio glazed with blue, green and brown over stoneware Stamped MS...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Jan Pieter Fokkens

Materials

Ceramic

Line Drawing by Jean Negulesco

$1,500

H 35.5 in W 24.75 in D 1.5 in

Line Drawing by Jean Negulesco

By Jean Negulesco

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beautiful continuous black line drawing of a woman by Jean Negulesco. Vintage color serigraph print with blind stamp in corner. New custom maple frame with UV plexi.

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Jan Pieter Fokkens

Materials

Maple, Paper

Abstract Framed Painting by Sherry Schrut

$2,500

H 25.25 in W 31.25 in D 2.25 in

Abstract Framed Painting by Sherry Schrut

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Framed oil painting on canvas by Los Angeles artist, Sherry Schrut. The colors range from bright red and orange to cool blues and green. Signed by the ar...

Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Jan Pieter Fokkens

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Confetti Resin Wall Art by Paola Valle

$420 / item

H 10.36 in W 10.36 in D 4.06 in

Confetti Resin Wall Art by Paola Valle

By Paola Valle

Located in Ciudad De México, MX

It is a geometric, simple and contemporary piece with a lot of personality. It will add a playful and colorful touch to your kids room. You can hang the piece on a wall or place it ...

Category

2010s Mexican Modern Jan Pieter Fokkens

Materials

Resin

Previously Available Items

"Carina Nebula" by Jan Pieter Fokkens

Sold

H 41 in W 85 in D 1.25 in

"Carina Nebula" by Jan Pieter Fokkens

By Jan Pieter Fokkens

Located in Chicago, IL

The colorful paintings of Jan Pieter Fokkens transport us to distant worlds beyond our comprehension. Within seemingly infinite networks of lines, dots, and crosses, he decodes the r...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Jan Pieter Fokkens

Materials

Fabric

"Study for NGC-6188" by Jan Pieter Fokkens

Sold

H 25.25 in W 19.25 in D 1.25 in

"Study for NGC-6188" by Jan Pieter Fokkens

By Jan Pieter Fokkens

Located in Chicago, IL

The colorful paintings of Jan Pieter Fokkens transport us to distant worlds beyond our comprehension. Within seemingly infinite networks of lines, dots, and crosses, he decodes the r...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Jan Pieter Fokkens

Materials

Paint, Paper

"R136" by Jan Pieter Fokkens

Sold

H 23.75 in W 31.5 in D 1.25 in

"R136" by Jan Pieter Fokkens

By Jan Pieter Fokkens

Located in Chicago, IL

The colorful paintings of Jan Pieter Fokkens transport us to distant worlds beyond our comprehension. Within seemingly infinite networks of lines, dots, and crosses, he decodes the r...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Jan Pieter Fokkens

Materials

Paint, Paper

"VFTS-682" by Jan Pieter Fokkens

Sold

H 45 in W 35 in L 45 in

"VFTS-682" by Jan Pieter Fokkens

By Jan Pieter Fokkens

Located in Chicago, IL

The colorful paintings of Jan Pieter Fokkens transport us to distant worlds beyond our comprehension. Within seemingly infinite networks of lines, dots, and crosses, he decodes the r...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Jan Pieter Fokkens

Materials

Paint, Canvas

"Study for VFTS-682" by Jan Pieter Fokkens

Sold

H 19.25 in W 25.25 in D 1.25 in

"Study for VFTS-682" by Jan Pieter Fokkens

By Jan Pieter Fokkens

Located in Chicago, IL

The colorful paintings of Jan Pieter Fokkens transport us to distant worlds beyond our comprehension. Within his seemingly infinite networks of lines, dots, and crosses, he decodes t...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Jan Pieter Fokkens

Materials

Paint, Paper

"Study for NGC-6188" by Jan Pieter Fokkens

Sold

H 25.25 in W 19.25 in D 1.25 in

"Study for NGC-6188" by Jan Pieter Fokkens

By Jan Pieter Fokkens

Located in Chicago, IL

The colorful paintings of Jan Pieter Fokkens transport us to distant worlds beyond our comprehension. Within seemingly infinite networks of lines, dots, and crosses, he decodes the r...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Jan Pieter Fokkens

Materials

Paint, Paper

"Study for Messier 17" by Jan Pieter Fokkens

Sold

H 31.25 in W 25.25 in D 1.25 in

"Study for Messier 17" by Jan Pieter Fokkens

By Jan Pieter Fokkens

Located in Chicago, IL

Entitled "Study for Messier 17," this painting by Chicago-artist Jan Pieter Fokkens offers a representation of the spectacular star-forming region Messier 17, also known as the Omega...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Jan Pieter Fokkens

Materials

Paper

Ngc-346

Sold

H 50.5 in W 34.5 in D 1.25 in

Ngc-346

By Jan Pieter Fokkens

Located in Chicago, IL

SSP Off platform sale Ngc-346

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Jan Pieter Fokkens

Materials

Paper

Lha 120-N51

Sold

H 50.5 in W 34.5 in D 1.25 in

Lha 120-N51

By Jan Pieter Fokkens

Located in Chicago, IL

SSP Off platform sale Lha 120-N51

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Jan Pieter Fokkens

Materials

Paper

calligrapher's table

Sold

H 50.5 in W 34.5 in D 1.25 in

calligrapher's table

By Jan Pieter Fokkens

Located in Chicago, IL

SSP Off platform sale calligrapher's table

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Jan Pieter Fokkens

Materials

Paper

b & w double happiness jar

Sold

H 50.5 in W 34.5 in D 1.25 in

b & w double happiness jar

By Jan Pieter Fokkens

Located in Chicago, IL

SSP Off platform sale b & w double happiness jar

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Jan Pieter Fokkens

Materials

Paper

pair of carriage benches

Sold

H 50.5 in W 34.5 in D 1.25 in

pair of carriage benches

By Jan Pieter Fokkens

Located in Chicago, IL

SSP Off platform sale pair of carriage benches

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Jan Pieter Fokkens

Materials

Paper

Jan Pieter Fokkens furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Jan Pieter Fokkens furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of paper and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Jan Pieter Fokkens furniture, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Jan Pieter Fokkens were created in the modern style in united states during the 21st century and contemporary. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by rebecca ruoff, Alexander Gore, and David Gilhooly. Prices for Jan Pieter Fokkens furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,680 and can go as high as $6,380, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,480.