Rob Scholte was born on June 1 1958 in Amsterdam. He studied art at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie from 1977 - 1982 and became part of a private enterprise of artists who worked at the infamous Warmoesstraat street in Amsterdam. Like Warhol he had, until 1993, a studio called The Living Room where he exhibited for the first time in 1984.

Scholte grew to be a very successful artist both in critical and commercial terms and in 1993 was appointed professor at the University of Kassel, a post he continues to hold. On line is Class of Rob Scholte.

In 1994 Scholte married Mickey Hoogendijk, from whom he is now separated. It was in November of that year that an attempt was made on his life when a hand grenade exploded in his car. Scholte lost both legs as a result of the attack but so far the perpetrator remains undiscovered and the case has led to much speculation.

He now lives on Tenerife though his work is sold in many countries. Several documentaries have been made about his life but hopefully the best is yet to some.

"Humanity, humanism, love, respect that’s what it’s all about. John Lennon is my main example."

In 1986, Rob said:
"I always start with an idea, with something not mine, but that I want to make mine by painting. In fact I have never done it in any other way, and except for one larger project that took its inspiration from a coloring book for children, I have really never made children's drawings in my whole life. For me it's about these things that have a complete presence, that unexpectedly affect me even though just before they didn't affect me at all.

Quoting is anything but taboo, but I think quotes should have as little to do with the world of art as possible. In that way the surprise is even greater. Hans Haacke and Andy Warhol are two artists who have found believable solutions in this respect. Warhol's work is legible, it contains no pseudo-science and no pseudo-mystery. He presents an absolute breaking point, his work is milestone, the way in which he exploits public opinion and lays bare the structure of the art world. His piss paintings are specially underrated".