The 7 Metarealists
A Collective of the Spirit
The Manifesto of the "Beyond"
In the landscape of 1970s Dutch art, a unique movement emerged that sought to bridge the gap between technical realism and spiritual vision. This movement was crystallized in December 1972 by the Haarlem art critic Hein Steehouwer, who coined the term "Meta-realism."
Steehouwer defined "Meta-realism" (literally meaning "next to realism" or "beyond realism") as an artistic approach where the spiritual world and the material world are depicted as coexisting realities. Unlike pure Surrealism, which often explored the chaotic subconscious, Meta-realism was structured and intentional. It suggested that the artists were depicting a realm "standing above" the real—a higher dimension accessed through meditation, study, and intuition.
The group was officially formed on May 20, 1973, with the explicit goal of organizing traveling exhibitions to present this worldview to the public.
The Collective: Profiles of the Members
1. Johfra Bosschart
The Hermetic Master
The central theorist and most technically proficient member. Johfra brought the weight of his Rosicrucian studies and his "Fantastic Realism" style, acting as the anchor for the movement's intellectual credibility.
2. Ellen Lórien
The Nature Mystic
Johfra's wife and muse. Her work was deeply rooted in nature spirits, elementals, and the "Great Mother." Her paintings were often lighter, focusing on elves, fairies, and the enchantment of the natural world.
3. Diana Vandenberg
The Gnostic Painter
Johfra's first wife. Her work often depicted "The Way"—the spiritual path of the soul towards the divine light. Her style was highly symbolic, featuring grand, cosmic architectures.
4. Victor Linford
An expressive surrealist whose work often explored the darker or more chaotic aspects of the dream world, providing a counterpoint to the rigid structure of Johfra and Vandenberg.
5. Frans Erkelens
A symbolist painter whose works contributed to the group's focus on hidden meanings and allegorical narratives.
6. Johan Hermsen
Known for his technical realism, Hermsen grounded the group's fantastical visions in a tangible, almost tactile painting style.
7. Han Koning
An initial member of the group who participated in the early stages but later withdrew, leaving the core group as a sextet for much of its touring life.
The Blockbuster Exhibitions (1974)
The public response to The 7 Metarealists was nothing short of a cultural phenomenon in the Netherlands, contrasting sharply with the often dismissive attitude of the academic art establishment.
The Apeldoorn Premiere (May 3, 1974)
Opened at the Van Reekum Gallery. Coincided with Steehouwer's book launch and Johfra's Zodiac posters. Drew 9,000 visitors.
The Delft Success (June 1974)
Moved to Museum Het Prinsenhof, surpassing previous success with 12,000 visitors.
Total tour visitors approx. 48,000 across Bergen, Haarlem, Groningen, Boxtel, and Antwerp.
Media & The Dissolution (1976)
The group's success culminated in a television appearance on November 29, 1976, for the TROS program Van beroep: fijnschilder. However, pressures of success and internal dynamics soon took their toll.
In December 1976, conflicts led to the disintegration of the collective. The final blow came on March 24, 1977, when Hein Steehouwer died suddenly. With the loss of its champion, the term "Meta-realism" faded from active use, though the artists continued their paths.