FLIPPO

In this creation, Henk Jan Sanderman presents a hippo bursting through the canvas, half in and half out of another world. Made from painted porcelain on canvas, the piece plays with illusion and reality, balancing humour with sculptural finesse. The grey-toned hippo contrasts against the crisp white canvas, creating a striking sense of movement.

Sanderman’s art style can be seen as a playful blend of surrealism and sculptural painting, where familiar creatures are given new life in surprising contexts. The textured surface of the porcelain combined with the flat expanse of canvas adds depth, making the viewer question whether the hippo is entering or leaving the space. The naturalistic detailing of the animal’s form anchors the piece in realism, while its unexpected setting pushes it firmly into the conceptual.

The restrained palette—soft greys with the warmth of raw canvas edges—emphasises form over colour, allowing the humour and sculptural presence of the work to shine. “FLIPPO” is both charming and thought-provoking, a joyful reminder that art can be lighthearted while still challenging our perception of space.