Image courtesy of TheStar.com.
The OCAD University community is deeply saddened by the passing of artist, educator and master printer Rudolf Bikkers who taught at OCAD University for 30 years. He passed away on February 6, 2023.
"Rudolf Bikkers was larger than life,” remembers OCAD U Associate Professor George A. Walker.
“He was an exceptional printmaker, painter and cellist whose artwork and teaching influenced many young minds. In 1988 in his book PRINT, he wrote, ‘I will stop drawing, painting and printing when I am dead. And even then I am not so sure that I will not start two minutes later, somewhere else, only better.’ That quote sums up the man whose sense of humour and adventure combined to make a remarkable and unstoppable talent. He will be sadly missed."
Remembering Rudolf Bikkers
Rudolf Bikkers became Chair of Print Department at the Ontario College of Arts (now OCAD U) in 1983, where he taught until he retired in 2012.
Born and raised in the Netherlands, he was the youngest student to be admitted to the Jan van Eyck Academy in Maastricht on a six-year scholarship, majoring in printmaking and graduating with honours in 1966.
He immigrated to Canada in 1966 where he developed an esteemed career as an artist, teacher and printmaker. In 1975, he established the master print studio Editions Canada. In 1986, he established the Extension Gallery in Toronto, which served as headquarters for the Canadian Print and Drawing Council and special exhibition space for his OCA students.
In his decades-long career, he published several books, had 23 solo shows and participated in 20 group shows in Canada, the U.S., Europe, South Africa, Japan and China, and amassed many national and international collections and awards, including the A.J. Casson Award.
Bikkers was elected to membership in the Royal Canadian Academy (RCA) in 2001 and was awarded The Queens Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002.
He is survived by his wife Thera; their daughter, Anouk (Adam); son, Tibor (Deepa); and adored granddaughter, Marin.
“Generous to a fault, nothing would make Rudolf happier than knowing that we'd all show a little extra generosity of spirit towards each other,” his obituary reads. “A celebration of his life will take place at a later date.”
Source
Toronto Star