Our art academy is a unique school in the Netherlands
Figura teaches you figurative sculpture through methods derived from classical sculpture programs.
Students in our sculpture program work from live models, learning to sculpt the human figure from a structural, gestural and anatomical standpoint. The program emphasizes the development of observational skills.
Meet our founder
Sanne van Tongeren is a sculptor and a scholar of ancient Greek and Latin. She held a teaching position at The Florence Academy of Art in Italy. In 2018 she started her own school in Amsterdam: Figura, Dutch Academy of Figurative Sculpture. Though her work enters into dialogue with the old masters, her sculptures are contemporary.
Her figures and portraits emanate strength, but also quietude: ‘Sculpture is not photography. Portraits don’t portray a moment captured, but are rather a visualisation of time.’
‘My fascination with human motion is closely entwined with my fascination for music and dance; and because I cannot dance, I sculpt.’
At Figura, we believe observation is of the highest importance. That’s why we work predominantly from live models, and that’s why we take the necessary time to practice various observation techniques.
Through observation we practice drawing in space, which is the very nature of sculpture.
Our method
"Drawing in space" refers to our teaching method developed by Sanne’s teacher and former director of The Florence Academy of Art, Robert Bodem. Robert Bodem makes the complex challenge of depicting the human figure in clay as simple as possible with a powerful method he developed over 20 years.
An impressive number of Robert’s former students have learned this method, have become renowned artists and are spreading the knowledge worldwide. Sanne took on the task to bring this training to The Netherlands.
Read more about the method and how our director Sanne van Tongeren brought it to the Netherlands: https://www.bu.edu/cfa/magazine/articles/2023/drawing-in-space/
The Location
The academy is located in the area called De Baarsjes.
It is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood in Amsterdam-West, known for its multicultural vibe, distinctive architecture, and bustling street life.
The area also boasts a wide array of trendy cafés, restaurants and boutiques.
Overall, De Baarsjes combines traditional Amsterdam charm with a modern, international vibe, making it one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods.
What our students say:
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Figura's sculpting course has completely transformed my perspective on the human body. Emphasizing posture, lines, and expression deepened my understanding, enabling me not only to create detailed sculptures but also to form characteristic portraits. This course made me realize that it's about more than just resemblance – it's about capturing the essence. An unexpected but valuable discovery in the world of sculpting.
Chiara
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For me, Figura is like an oasis in Amsterdam.
Michalis
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Sculpting at Figura is akin to any great spiritual experience - you feel your “self” fall away, while an image of reality emerges before your eyes. The environment is calm, the teachers are focused, knowledgeable, encouraging - and the other students excited, passionate, and challenging. If you are really lucky and willing to take a big leap on your path as a sculptor, I strongly urge you to head to Figura as fast as you possibly can.
Sydnie
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You get to experience - especially session over session - the nuances of the human body; how it changes. And how you can pick and choose the things you want to keep and express. I enjoy the aspect of working with your hands and tools. Working with the hands... there's a tactile piece of it that's enjoyable.
Chad
Get to know us
Contact us for a visit in Amsterdam!
You are welcome to come and see our studios, meet our faculty and talk to students!