About Hatutamelen

Hatutamelen (1980), is an contemporary artist from Moluccan-Dutch origin based in The Netherlands. He started his artistic practice with building Moluccan “tifa” Drums and woodcarving. Gradually he has developed himself in multiple disciplines, such as linoleum printing, reliefpainting, 3D-sculpting and making jewelry from wood en ceramics.

Taking inspiration from Moluccan symbols and motives, his practice and artistry are fueled by spiritualism, and while working on his art he is often led by his intuition.

Through a creative process inspired by his love and fascination for woodworking, he creates present-day interpretations – rather than exact copies – of traditional Moluccan objects and symbols.

In 2018, Hatutamelen was one of the founding members of the artist collective Awareness Moluccan Identity (AMI). One of the goals of the collective, is to protect and revive Moluccan heritage. Through projects and events, AMI created awareness of contemporary and ancient Moluccan culture, nature, music, art and identity, and provided a stage for creative talent in various art disciplines.

Hatutamelen broke through with work at the exhibition “When Things are beings”(Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, 2022). The work was also acquired by the stedelijk museum Amsterdam. In 2023/2024, he received a research grant through the Talent Program of the Stimuleringsfonds Creative Industrie for this project “Revival of Moluccan Symbolism & Woodcarving”.