It was always clear to Herman Brood that he had the talent and ambition to enter the art world. In doing so, he did not limit himself to one way to express his creative spirit. From an early age, he was busy drawing and painting. In addition, he took piano lessons and discovered his passion for music. Herman eventually also broke through with his music and grew into the Dutch embodiment of sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll.
Herman Brood focused more and more on painting in the eighties. Due to his continuing interest in the visual arts, he continued to do so and eventually sold his paintings for large sums of money. Herman Brood's artworks are characterized by the use of thick black lines and primary colors. He painted simple, recognizable scenes with large areas of color. His recognizable signature 'brood' is an essential part of every canvas. His paintings were for sale in his studio at the time, but he also often sold them himself on the street. He also often exchanged his artworks for things he actually wanted to buy, but could not afford. Herman Brood made his paintings quickly and off the cuff. His canvases were very large and he often used the craziest objects for them. For example, he made paintings with cow manure. Herman preferred to make his paintings with bright primary colors. He mainly used spray cans and rollers to make his works. The rollers were on long sticks and the canvas lies on the ground.
The Cobra Group
The choice of primary colors is mainly based on necessity, as Herman was color blind. He drew much inspiration from the works of the Cobra group .
The Cobra group was a group of young artists from Copenhagen, Brussels and Amsterdam who were active after the Second World War. After his death in 2002, in the Cobra Museum in Amstelveen a first overview exhibition of his work can be seen, with photos taken by his friend, the photographer Anton Corbijn. Brood's work had never been recognized in museums before. However, there were many enthusiasts and his paintings sold well.
Herman Brood Experience
The Herman Brood Experience was held in Zwolle in April 2017 started where the work of Herman Brood can be admired. The visitor is given an insight into the life of the artist born in Zwolle by means of photos, objects, film and sound. The so-called experience contains a wide collection of Herman Brood, originating from the private collection of friend and initiator Ivo de Lange, widow Xandra Brood, daughter Lola and both of Herman's sisters. It concerns letters, drawings and poems, written and painted by him on canvas, pieces of paper and beer mats. There are also personal items of Brood himself on display. Never before shown photos, guitars painted by him, clothing, painting materials and even his spray needles.
The Rock 'n' Roll life of Herman Brood
Herman is of course not for nothing the embodiment of the credo 'sex and drugs and rock 'n' roll'. He was extremely addicted to drugs, alcohol, gambling and women. He was almost always under the influence, and did not mind showing that in the media. Herman was a man who lived by his own rules and did his own things in his own way. That eventually took its toll. Although Herman Brood's fiftieth birthday was celebrated festively, his health subsequently deteriorated rapidly. Drink and drugs had destroyed his body and Brood had to go into withdrawal on doctor's advice.
Brood was admitted to various rehab clinics. What followed were the expected withdrawal symptoms of an addict such as incontinence, epilepsy and delirium tremens. He managed to stay off most drugs but his alcohol intake increased. In addition, he still took a daily dose of speed.
His health deteriorated visibly and he appeared in many places with a parrot on his head. On July 11, the day that many remember, depression, addiction and frustration won over life. Due to the many failed attempts to lead a healthier life, Herman Brood ended his life. He jumped off the Amsterdam Hilton Hotel with a suicide note in his inside pocket.
The funeral was immense. The hearse made a stop at the Hilton Hotel in Amsterdam and a memorial service followed in Paradiso. The record company released Herman Brood's version of Frank Sinatra's "My Way". The song topped the charts for three weeks: Brood's only number 1 hit. Herman Brood was cremated in Westgaarde and his ashes were buried at Zorgvlied. The angel above the memorial stone wears an anti-theft pin in her right wing.
Lots of fake art going around
Because Herman Brood has never hidden how he made his artwork (there are even images of it) there are often fake artworks in circulation. Therefore always buy your artworks by Herman Brood in art studios such as Moderne Kunst. These often have a certificate of authenticity.
