Thijs Kelder is a Rotterdam-based artist who seeks to push the boundaries of the age-old craft of stained glass through innovative techniques and contemporary design. Narrative plays a central role in his practice. By combining contemporary iconography with graphic forms, he creates works that explore themes such as mortality, nightlife, climate change, consumerism, mass production, and the future, often infused with humor and occasionally carrying darker or more critical undertones.

While there is a strong impulse within his practice to realize ideas quickly, this urgency is tempered by the time-intensive nature of the stained glass process and the fragility of the materials involved. The craft demands concentration, patience, diligence, and precision, allowing each work to unfold gradually—a compelling contrast in an era defined by increasing speed and constant acceleration.

His practice is currently undergoing a transition from two-dimensional stained glass works to three-dimensional sculptures and installations. This evolution represents an ongoing search for new forms and possibilities, with the ultimate aim of developing a body of experimental work that transcends the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship.