Theo Wolvecamp

Theo Wilhelm Wolvecamp (Hengelo, 30 August 1925 – Amsterdam, 11 October 1992) was a Dutch painter and graphic artist. From 1948 he became one of the key figures of CoBrA; his spontaneous, abstract painting with free forms and lines was recognised early on by fellow members such as Karel Appel and Corneille.

After the CoBrA exhibition in Amsterdam (1949) he initially left the group, but he returned and took part in later shows, including the one in Liège (1951). Following a period in Paris (1953–1954) he settled again in his native Hengelo, where he worked in relative isolation despite his international recognition.

His later work developed into densely built, layered compositions with a darker, more mysterious character. His paintings are held in collections including the Cobra Museum voor Moderne Kunst and the Dordrechts Museum; since 1998 the biennial Wolvecamp Prize carries his name.