Bobbi Essers (b. 2000, Enschede) is a painter whose work evokes a sense of intimacy and emotional connection, offering a glimpse into her life through fleeting moments shared within her circle of friends. Her work reflects the spirit of the times—the habits and expressions of Generation Z—with bodies taking center stage. Immortalized and honored on her canvas in all their being: non-binary, cis, trans, gay, straight, queer and everything in-between. In a fragmented manner, she captures the pace of existence while also pausing to reflect on what she experiences. The closeness she captures, the trust that is granted. Through composition and form, Essers seeks images that transcend 'realistic work' through their framing and combinations. By portraying those closest to her, she captures an experience that is deeply personal yet widely universal: the enchantment of friendship.
Working from analog snapshots—one chance and no preview—ensures Essers that the images remain unforced and pure. When thinking of a memory, it rarely appears as a single moment in mind, but rather as a sequence of images and feelings, as if it were a movie. The way Essers assembles her pictures into collages reflects this: Compositions that are not linear but capture the layering and movement of memory. She plays with fragments of visuals and shifts the logic of time and space, creating a surrealistic twist. Then to be painted on large canvases, putting her friendships on a pedestal. Honoring them by reliving her memories and celebrating her friendships brings her immens joy and gives her practice deep meaning.
Bobbi Essers on her new work : “This exhibition presents a series of paintings that capture a year of celebration. A year filled with birthdays, countless exhibition openings (including each other’s), ringing in the new year, and—above all—celebrating friendship itself. What sets this body of work apart is its more luxurious tone: hair carefully styled, jewelry gleaming, clothing deliberately chosen for the occasion, and countless glasses raised in joy. These paintings not only reflect moments of festivity, but also the beauty of togetherness, intimacy, and the rituals of celebration.”
Notice the silk hair ribbon in ‘Love Ridden (I’ve looked at you), the hair in ‘My Shining Stars’, the satin pants in ‘I Always Find Somewhere To Be’, the jewelry in ‘When We Were On The Other Side Of 25’, the tie in ‘Down To My Heart’ and the hair and jewelry in ‘Glowing’ and ‘Twinkling’. “The ‘Raise a Glass’ series began with a few photographs from a celebratory moment in London. I was struck by the variety of glasses the drinks were served in, each one carrying its own charm and held by a different person in a different way. As I looked back through my photos, I discovered many more moments like this—friends captured in the simple yet joyful act of raising a glass with me.”
“The paintings are often filled with figures in relaxed states. For the viewer, this can evoke a voyeuristic sensation, as though they are witnessing something not meant for them, yet I invite them to step into that world. Here, body language speaks volumes: of love, of trust, and of the unspoken bonds that we share.”
We’re happy to present Bobbi Essers’ first solo show at the gallery at the start of this new season.
