Surreal, brightly coloured, and otherworldly, Dutch creative Bertjan Pot (born in the Netherlands, 1975) creates weird and wonderful worlds full of expressive characters and unique materials. His multifaceted practice is well-known for a range of works, including ropemasks, lighting, gloves, baskets, and rugs, all of which reflect his experimental techniques and his curiosity for materials. These creations often originate from material research.

           He graduated from the Design Academy Eindhoven in 1998, before opening his own studio in Rotterdam. Located in a former gymnasium, it is bordered by a canal and surrounded by trees, the space brims with lights, woven masks, textiles, and furniture that typify his material experimentation.

           His Ropemasks highlight his fascination for structures, patterns and colours. Originally created using zig-zag stitching and coiling of rope, they feature unexpected faces. Bertjan says that the faces result from a less-than-successful attempt at making rugs.