Steven Partiman - Multidisciplinary artist
- Isobel Arden
- Jul 3
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 4
Develop your own profile, network, career, and/or business by joining us at The Arts and Culture Network as a full member.
It's just £10 per month. Cancel any time.
Benefits are here. This profile is just one of them.
Meet Steven Partiman, a life of collaborating, art and imagination
Steven Partiman is a Dutch–Surinamese multidisciplinary artist, cultural connector, and creative powerhouse. Born in Paramaribo and raised in Amsterdam, he has been sketching, painting, organising and collaborating for over 45 years—equipped only with curiosity, courage and creativity. Steven’s work spans bold inkt sketches, emotive portraits, eye-catching graffiti, abstract figurative canvases and large-scale public installations.
He pursued formal training at the prestigious Nola Hatterman Art Academy in Paramaribo, where he honed his foundations in painting, drawing, sculpture and mixed media, emerging with a deep respect for both Surinamese cultural heritage and technical discipline (please confirm years). Later, he continued studies in Amsterdam—broadening his skills and artistic horizons in European design, visual communication and community arts.
Steven’s career has included solo and group exhibitions across Suriname, the Netherlands, and internationally—from Paramaribo and Amsterdam to Washington DC, Istanbul, Sofia and more. He has led creative installations in a wide variety of cultural events and venues—transforming public spaces into immersive, colour‑filled environments.
Notable highlights include his expressive contributions to the annual Keti Koti cultural celebrations in Aalsmeer and Kudelstaart, designed to honour Suriname’s abolition of slavery with art, education and community engagement.
A champion of artistic freedom, Steven serves on the board of the Federatie Beeldrechten, advocating for artists’ rights, and has been appointed Ambassador for Arts and Culture.
Through commercial commissions, gallery exhibitions and public murals, his dynamic work brings positivity, innovation and harmony to both private collections and everyday neighbourhoods. Always driven by “pluk de dag”—seize the day—Steven is happiest experimenting, collaborating and creating.
Steven Partiman's Fantasy Cultural Year
With a magic wand in one hand, a time machine warmed up, and a Star Trek transporter on standby, Mark sat down with Steven Partiman to imagine his dream cultural year. You can watch the conversation in full above— on YouTube or Spotify or SoundCloud.
What followed was a creative, witty, and globe-trotting journey across art, mixed medias and leaving impressions.
1. Steven’s Art Preferences & Desmond Island Arts
Mark and Steven began their exchange with a conversation about artistic preferences.
Steven, a visual artist based in the Netherlands, spoke about his passion for transcendent art and shared insights into his own creative work. Mark introduced Desmond Island Arts—a playful twist on Desert Island Discs—where guests share their favourite art forms.
Steven agreed to play along, and Mark planned to showcase Steven’s work while uncovering his artistic choices. Their chat ended with Mark sharing picturesque images of Steven’s hometown, Almere, a city celebrated for its flowers and tranquil charm.
2. Discovering Almere & Steven’s Creative Path
Their dialogue moved to Steven’s roots in Almere, a historic settlement near Amsterdam.
Mark admired its standout features—swing bridges, windmills, and floating houseboats—while Steven reflected on his early creative beginnings: drawing as a child, experimenting with stencils and paint, and growing into a multidisciplinary artist.
Alongside visual art, Steven shared his literary pursuits, including three works in progress: a children’s book, a fantasy novel, and a self-help title on spiritual mental health.
3. Masterpieces & Memorable Performances
The pair dove into the question: if you could own one artwork, what would it be?
Steven chose a portrait of a brown man, believed to be either painted by Rembrandt or one of his pupils. Mark researched and confirmed it was indeed a Rembrandt. This led to a shared appreciation of fine art.
When recalling powerful performances, Steven highlighted an unforgettable flamenco dance he attended with his wife. Mark recommended modern flamenco dancer Sarah Barras as a performer worth watching.
4. Books, Opera & Cultural Icons
Steven and Mark explored the literary world next.
Steven recommended a 1969 play about Malcolm X, inspired by the civil rights leader’s autobiography and speeches. He also expressed enthusiasm for introducing a rising opera singer to key directors in the music scene.
The conversation circled back to shared interests in Rembrandt and flamenco—an evolving thread throughout their discussions.
5. Festivals, Museums & Indigenous Culture
Their discussion turned to cultural exploration and ambition.
Steven shared his wish to visit the indigenous peoples of Suriname, whom he had only met virtually. He also spoke of plans to organise a vibrant cultural festival in Almere—featuring food, dance, music, visual art, and spoken word.
They celebrated Steven’s past recognition at the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum, where he had won a competition with a painting of Marilyn Monroe.
6. Martial Arts, Film & Collaboration
Steven opened up about his interest in other art forms, including martial arts like Aikido and Kendo, and his admiration for filmmaker Takeshi Kitano.
He emphasised the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration—whether with communities or companies—and underlined the need for artists to value their work, get paid fairly, and make a living from their creativity.
Mark resonated with Steven’s approach and encouraged him to keep exploring.
7. “This or That” with Steven
To wrap things up, Mark invited Steven to play a round of This or That.
Steven’s choices offered personal insight: still water, PC, boiled egg, comedy, concert hall, dog, test the water, no pulp, museum, history, New York, tidy desk, red wine, words, well done, mild, gold, and see the future.
Explore some of Steven Partiman's work.
Would you like to be interviewed and promoted in this way?
This is just one of several benefits of full membership at just £10 per month (€12/$12) and you may cancel any time.
Join us here.
Mark Walmsley FRSA FCIM AGSM
Chief Culture Vulture
Arts & Culture Network
Join us as a full member for "done for you" profile, network, career, and/or business development support for just £10 per month. Cancel any time.
Here are some of our full member testimonials:
"Had to write and say a huge thank you for the networking sessions you are running. Met some great people today, thank you so much."
"Great speed networking session today - I really enjoyed it and got some really relevant and valuable connections!"
"I've just joined!! £10 a month for a 1:1 business growth session, free networking, and access to all the events (on top of everything else!)?! This is INSANE value for money Mark and I'm so grateful for everything you've done to build such a supportive network of likeminded creative professionals."
Mark Walmsley FRSA AGSM
Chief Culture Vulture
Arts & Culture Network
Comments