About
My work is rooted in my observations and interactions with my surroundings and daily life. Intuition and imagination play an important role in this. Stemming from my own femininity, women and girls take centre stage in my work. I am fascinated by universal female postures and poses which, though subtle and culturally influenced, nevertheless reveal a personality. The absence of faces often creates space for interpretation. In my work, identity remains mysterious, and the past is tangible; almost with a whisper, I paint and draw these into the present, or they take shape in collages, murals, and installations.
Rolina Nell (1968) is a Dutch artist who graduated in 2001 from the Academy of Fine Arts and Design Minerva, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen. Since then, she has regularly exhibited both nationally and internationally. In her artistic practice, she seeks a balance between discovering new environments and the peace and concentration she finds both in her own studio and during working periods at various residencies. The interplay between new environments and introspection enables her to explore new perspectives, translating them into her work.
In Rolina's work, the woman is central, in relation to social and historical patterns that run as a recurring motif throughout her oeuvre. Her drawings, paintings, and installations balance between revealing and concealing; faces are often absent, creating space for interpretation. Personal observations and intuition form the core of her work, which is deeply rooted in her own experiences.
After periods in Rotterdam and Delft, Rolina moved to the countryside in 2013. She returned to her roots, living for eight years on the farm in Rutten, Noordoostpolder, where she grew up. There, she combined her artistic practice with organizing temporary presentation spaces and artist-in-residencies, in collaboration with the foundation id11, which was active in Delft until 2016 and from 2013 also operated from the farm. In 2021, she settled into the former Bierumer School in Northeast Groningen, where she combines her workspace with hosting guest artists as an organizer and curator of the Bierumer School Foundation. In the summer of 2025, Rolina, with foundation id11, will once again develop independent activities, this time from the Sint-Johannes Church in Morra. From 2026, she will establish her studio there and be active in this new chapter of her own practice.
She is also involved in about A woman, a platform for female artists, and works as an artist’s assistant for Lily van der Stokker.
Rolina's work is characterized by a strong connection to the places where she works and the female presence, both in the present and past, that she investigates there. She finds inspiration in the interplay between entering new contexts and the introspective depth that shapes her work, regardless of the location. The female figure serves not only as the subject but also as an echo of history and identity, manifesting across time. Her work challenges conventions surrounding femininity and explores the various layers of this presence, both in the public and private spheres.
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Education
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1997 - 2001
BA Fine Arts, Minerva Art Academy | Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen the Netherlands
1988 - 1992
BA Teacher Education in Fine Art and Design | NHL University of Applied Sciences, Leeuwarden the Netherlands -
Solo and duo exhibitions
- 2024
Rolina Nell & Atty Kingma gallery De Kolk, Spaarndam the Netherlands
Troost Feest van de Geest Sebastianus church, Noordwolde the Netherlands
veerKRACHT Solte Campe, Zoutkamp the Netherlands (& Josefien Alkema)
Der Arbeiter tanzt nicht, der Arbeiter arbeitet KEIK, Groningen the Netherlands
2023
Dorien De Portiersloge, Groningen the Netherlands
Monnikenwerk Andreas church, Eenum the Netherlands
hink-stap-sprong Kunstpunt, Groningen the Netherlands
2022
Open studio Van Gogh AiR atelier De Moeren, Zundert the Netherlands
album CBK Rensenpark, Emmen the Netherlands
2021
Home is where temporary shelters for my paintings spread across the country the Netherlands
2019
zij zei Dat Bolwerck, Zutphen the Netherlands
Maandag Wasdag City Museum Harderwijk, Harderwijk the Netherlands
2018
Maandag Wasdag Vischpoort Museum Elburg, Elburg the Netherlands
2017
Female Vrijhof gallery | University of Twente, Enschede the Netherlands
Marit Dik & Rolina Nell Hommes gallery, Rotterdam the Netherlands
Rolina Nell & Anna Skubisz Ann’s Art, Groningen the Netherlands
2016
gestippeld, gestreept, geruit en verbloemd Museum Schokland, Schokland the Netherlands (& Guda Koster)
terugblik Gallery het Gemaal, Echten the Netherlands
wat er is WTC Rotterdam Art Gallery, Rotterdam the Netherlands (& José Krijnen)
2014
Staan, wachten, treuzelen, hangen, lummelen Theater ‘t Voorhuys, Emmeloord the Netherlands
2012
Rolina Nell & Lie van der Werff Hommes gallery, Rotterdam the Netherlands
Zitten, staan, hangen, lummelen DOK Kunst, Delft the Netherlands
2011
Uit Zicht Salon #17 TAC | PEK, Eindhoven the Netherlands (& Anouk Bax)
daarentegen Ruimte Remmelink gallery, Delft the Netherlands
2010
op_LOCATIE id11 Museum-night Delft, former shop, Delft the Netherlands (& Désirée de Baar)
op het tweede gezicht Castle of Rhoon gallery, Rotterdam the Netherlands
2009
Voorbijgaand De Overslag, Eindhoven the Netherlands
HusH ArtUnit, Haarlem the Netherlands
2008
been everywhere, seen everything Minerva Art Academy, Groningen the Netherlands
been everywhere, seen everything LittleBird gallery, Los Angeles USA
2007
Exclude I Singalong | Andrejsala, Riga Latvia
Indian Times Kanoria Centre for Arts, Ahmedabad India
Appearance Paradise International Art Centre | shops at the Pirozi Street neighbourhood, Tehran Iran
Sareckhi Art Villa Garikula, Akhalkalaki Georgia
2006
‘t wasgoed De Verschijning, Tilburg the Netherlands
Familie sandersgeluk | Het Groot Handelsgebouw, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (& Maaike Sietszema)
2005
de Schone Schijn Magazijn Vomberg gallery, Rotterdam the Netherlands
2004
From dusk till dawn de Nederlandsche Cacaofabriek, Helmond the Netherlands (& Bérénice Staiger)
to Hell and Back studio DSPS, Rotterdam the Netherlands (& Marian Brugman)
2001
Insignific Sign gallery, Groningen the Netherlands (& Buxus: Jan Bokma & Alex Winters)
Rolina Nell Museum Nagele, Nagele the Netherlands -
Group exhibitions
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2025
Teken van Tijd Sint-Johanneskerk, Morra the Netherlands
Tekeningen K38, Roden the Netherlands
Heen & Weer Dijken van Wijven, Hoedekenskerke the Netherlands
Grond – GROÛND | 100 dagen Arcadia Harlingen Harlingen the Netherlands
De Assistenten STOKKER JAEGER projectspace, Amsterdam the Netherlands
about A woman - IN YOUR FACE 2.0 Studio 2 | de Doelen Art, Rotterdam the Netherlands
2024
Anonyme Zeichner Kunstraum Kreuzberg, Berlin Germany
Open Studio AiR DRAWinternational, Caylus France
Forever Young Boterhal, Hoorn the Netherlands
about A woman - Holy Moly Galerie Ruimte Remmelink, Delft the Netherlands
2023
BOOKSHELF #3 ARTisBOOK, Groningen the Netherlands
Energie Kunstmaand Ameland, Island Ameland the Netherlands
DNA KUNSTEXPEDITIE Tuinen Mien Ruys, Dedemsvaart the Netherlands
Marianne de Jong | Corinne Vorwerk-Smaal | Hester Zagt | Jeannette Ephraim | Rolina Nell MAAN gallery, Kortgene the Netherlands
Tekenkabinet XI gallery Art Singel 100, Amsterdam the Netherlands
Over de Dijk Dijken van Wijven, Kattendijke the Netherlands
Tekenkabinet XI projectspace BMB, Amsterdam the Netherlands
Wintersalon Pictura Groningen, the Netherlands
Van Gogh als inspiratie Vincent van GoghHuis, Zundert the Netherlands
2022
Anna Ramsair | Astrid de Pauw | Rolina Nell MAAN gallery, Kortgene the Netherlands
Anonyme Zeichner galerie im Körnerpark, Berlin Germany
Grensloos Kunst Verkennen installation de Verwachting, IJhorst-De Wijk the Netherlands
about A woman - witte wieven XPO, Enschede the Netherlands
2021
Nieuwe meesters blikken terug Ann's Art, Groningen the Netherlands
Tekenkabinet IX Amstelpark, Amsterdam the Netherlands
Dichter op het Water Enserchurch, Museum Schokland, Schokland the Netherlands
Eindeloos Dijken van Wijven, Noord Beveland the Netherlands
Publieke Werken Rotterdam, Rotterdam the Netherlands
GEDENKWAARDIG Stedum the Netherlands
2020
RAM Ramsweg Ens, Noordoostpolder the Netherlands
#artistsupportplege De Balie, Amsterdam the Netherlands
about A woman - SISSA NIFFO gallery, Rotterdam the Netherlands
eb De Zuidert, Museum Schokland the Netherlands
EN NU Pictura, Dordrecht the Netherlands
SUMMER JOURNEY Gallery Dessers, Hasselt Belgium
Tekenkabinet XS Amstelpark, Amsterdam the Netherlands
Virtual Pleasures Hommes, kunst en projecten, online exhibition
about A woman - girlhood Art Space Rotterdam, Rotterdam the Netherlands
Kittel Schurze gallery Pien van der Beek, Rotterdam the Netherlands
ART BLAAK HOUSE Blaak House, Rotterdam the Netherlands
2019
US FERLOSSER portretten van Domela Museum Heerenveen, Heerenveen the Netherlands
RESET Gallery Dessers, Hasselt Belgium
International Summer Residency Aschersleben Bestehornpark, Aschersleben Germany
2018
La nostalgie du temps perdu Gallery Dessers, Leuven Belgium
First Decade art-space 38CC, Delft the Netherlands
the Allie van Altena Minerva Farewell (drawing) Exhibition Minerva Art Academy, Groningen the Netherlands
Beep Painting Biennial Elysium gallery | Swansea College of Art, Swansea United Kingdom
Waited for the Fish Corner Hommes gallery, Rotterdam the Netherlands
THE GREAT WALL PHK18, Rotterdam the Netherlands
Ralph van Meijgaard | Geert Baas | Rolina Nell WTC Rotterdam Art Gallery, Rotterdam the Netherlands
2016
converge SÍM gallery, Reykjavik Iceland
Schokland Scratch harbour of the former island Schokland | Museum Schokland, Schokland the Netherlands
voorbijgaand Charlois Speciaal pop up of Hommes gallery, Rotterdam the Netherlands
Patterns Beyond the Obvious LIA Spring Group Show Spinnerei Spring Gallery Tour, Leipzig Germany
If on a Winter’s Night a Traveller LIA Winter Group Show Spinnerei Winter Gallery Tour, Leipzig Germany
2015
Schwarzmalen 2 VondelCS, Amsterdam the Netherlands
Kondensat ArToll malerlabor, Bedburg-Hau Germany
Voor Uit Zicht Hommes gallery, Rotterdam the Netherlands
Rotterdam Contemporary Art Fair, Rotterdam the Netherlands
2014
Temporary Threads Ekserserhuset Kristiansand Norway
Art The Hague Art Fair, The Hague the Netherlands
Voorbijgaand former building of Woudsend Insurance, Woudsend the Netherlands
The Great Last Minute Art Fair, Rotterdam the Netherlands
2013
Nothing can be seen that is neither illuminated nor colored Hommes gallery, Rotterdam the Netherlands
about A woman De Witte Slagerij, Rotterdam the Netherlands
RAW China Expo warehouse Santos, Rotterdam the Netherlands
Re:Rotterdam Art Fair Rotterdam the Netherlands
2012
Wintergasten TETEM, Enschede the Netherlands
Duende Dicht Duende Studios, Rotterdam the Netherlands
Rolina Nell & Lie van der Werff Hommes gallery, Rotterdam the Netherlands
Re:Rotterdam Art Fair, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
2011
10 jaar Minerva CBK Drenthe, Assen the Netherlands
2010
DE SPEELTUIN id11 art-space 38CC, Delft the Netherlands
1 van 11 Weesperzijde gallery, Amsterdam the Netherlands
2009
kruithuis BEZET Het Kruithuis, Den Bosch the Netherlands
FLAT_land id11 former apartment building Poptahof neighbourhood, Delft the Netherlands
Nomaden CBK, Rotterdam the Netherlands
Delfts Blauwe Panden former houses at Van Leeuwenhoeksingel, Delft the Netherlands
BuroDijkstra Three Years! BuroDijkstra ArtGallery, Rotterdam the Netherlands
2008
ART within geborgen kamers, The Hague the Netherlands
hier&daar art-space 38CC, Delft the Netherlands
HTV id11, former houses Poptahof neighbourhood, Delft the Netherlands
Thrill & Suspense Walls gallery, Amsterdam the Netherlands
Art Without Borders Theo Hübens gallery, Maastricht the Netherlands
Open studio Kaus Australis, Rotterdam the Netherlands
2007
Open studio Red Gate studios, Beijing China
2006
Je Reve Noord gallery, Groningen the Netherlands
Kans op gezondheid Broerenkerk, Zwolle the Netherlands
Distance Shenghua Art Center, Nanjing China
2005
Electron, Breda the Netherlands
2004
PLAIN BAR DSPS | former bar Katendrecht neighbourhood, Rotterdam the Netherlands
2003
Ladenkast project Phoebus gallery, Rotterdam the Netherlands
Open studio Foundation B.a.d, Rotterdam the Netherlands
2002
Hollandse Nieuwe Chassé gallery, Breda the Netherlands
Simmersalon Bas 10 gallery, Sneek the Netherlands
2001
Versie 1.0 final exam Academy of Fine Art and Design Minerva, Groningen the Netherlands -
Artist residencies
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2024
DRAWinternational, Caylus France
2023
Monnikenwerk Andreas church, Eenum the Netherlands
2022
Van Gogh AiR atelier De Moeren, Zundert the Netherlands
2019
Internationales Sommeratelier Aschersleben, Aschersleben Germany
2017
art quarter budapest, Budapest Hungary
2016
SÍM residency, Reykjavik Iceland
2015 - 2016
LIA, Leipzig Germany
2015
ArToll, Bedburg-Hau Germany
2014
CreArt AiR, Kristiansand Norway
2009 - 2012
Duende, Rotterdam the Netherlands
2009
De Overslag, Eindhoven the Netherlands
2008
Minerva Art Academy, Groningen the Netherlands
Roberto Espinosa studio, Los Angeles USA
Kaus Australis, Rotterdam the Netherlands
2007
Singalong, Riga Latvia
Red Gate, Beijing China
Kanoria Centre for Arts, Ahmedabad India
Paradise International Art Centre, Tehran Iran
Art Villa Garikula, Akhalkalaki Georgia
Union of Bulgarian Artists, Sofia Bulgaria
2004
de Nederlandsche Cacaofabriek, Helmond the Netherlands
2002 - 2003
B.a.d, Rotterdam the Netherlands -
Grants
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2025
CBK Rotterdam (about A woman project)
2024
Mondriaan Fund Voucher Development
Municipality of Eemsdelta
Foundation Gerbrandy Cultuurfonds
2022
Residency Grant van Gogh AiR Zundert
2021
Municipality of Enschede (about A woman project)
2020
Cultuur Concreet fund, CBK Rotterdam, Prins Bernard cultuurfonds (about A woman project)
2019
Residency Grant city of Aschersleben Germany
2014
Residency Grant CreArt city of Kristiansand Norway
2011
het Cultuurfonds / Tijl Fund (project HERNIEUWEN)
Foundation Stokroos (project HERNIEUWEN)
Special Mention A.J. Prins Culture price
2008
Municipality of Delft
Foundation NRC (project Home Sweet Home)
2006 - 2008
Basic stipend Fund BKVB (Netherlands Foundation for Visual Arts, Design and Architecture) now know as Mondriaan Fund
2001
Nomination Buning Brongers price
Nomination Dooyewaard stipend -
Projects
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2021 - 2022
Home is where
2019 - present
about A woman
2015 - 2019
Maandag Wasdag
2011 - 2012
HERNIEUWEN
2008 - 2010
DE SPEELTUIN
2008
hier&daar
Home Sweet Home
2007
been everywhere, seen everything
Fridaycolumn -
Commissions
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2017
Mural, commissioned by Vestia housing company wall of the S-shaped living block Hillekop of Mecanoo architects, Rotterdam the Netherlands (implementation november/december 2017, cancelled due to not being able to guarantee the quality and the sustainability of paint/mural painting in the mentioned winter period)
2014
Mural eduction project with students (14 years), commissioned by the municipality of Kristiansand Norway
2009
Sketch visual art Cultural year 2009, commissioned by the municipality of Delft the Netherlands
Mural, commissioned by the municipality of Delft the Netherlands
2005
Instruction paper primary education, commissioned by CBK Rotterdam the Netherlands -
In collection
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Vincent Van GoghHuis Zundert, Martini Hospital Groningen, DELA art collection Nijmegen, Caland/schoen Rotterdam, DOK kunst Delft, Kunstuitleen Emmeloord, ArtZaanstad Zaandam and in more corporate collections and also private collections in the Netherlands and abroad.
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Courses
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2010
Curatorial masterclasses Cultuur+Ondernemen, Amsterdam the Netherlands
2001 - 2002
Graphic design and web-design Kreft Advies Opleidingen, Amsterdam the Netherlands -
Artist related work
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2024 - present
Freelance work • Kunstpunt Groningen
2021 - present
Co-organizer, -curator of the foundation of artist initiative Bierumer School
2019 - present
Co-organizer, -curator of platform about A woman
2016
Co-organizer AiR for Experiment; encounter, collaborative venture between id11 and DutchCulture | TransArtists in the context of the EU project CreArt, Delft the Netherlands
2015
Jury member Zomer Expo, Groningen the Netherlands
2013
Co-organizer SHIFTING AiR STRATEGIES; seminar, a collaborative venture between id11, DutchCulture|TransArtists, Satellietgroep and Wander in the context of the EU project CreArt, Delft the Netherlands
Jury member Kunstbende, The Hague the Netherlands
Lecture curating experiences with independent curator contemporary art Piet de Jonge, Rotterdam the Netherlands
2012 - 2013
Member of the foundation of Duende Activities | Duende Studios, Rotterdam the Netherlands
Member RAiR (Rotterdam artist-in-residence) | Duende Studios, Rotterdam the Netherlands
2011 - present
Assistant of international working visual artist Lily van der Stokker
2010
Co-curatorship 1 van 11 exhibition, Amsterdam the Netherlands
2008 - present
Member of the board and curator of the foundation of artist initiative id11 | 2008 - 2016 Delft | 2013 - 2021 Rutten, Noordoostpolder | 2021 - 2026 Bierum | 2025 - present Morra the Netherlands
2008
Lecture AiR experiences, Minerva Art Academy | Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen the Netherlands
2003 - 2006
Coordinator AiR studio DSPS, Rotterdam the Netherlands
2001 - present
Graphic designer
1999 - 2006
Assistant visual artists Gijs Frieling and Roland Schimmel
1997 - 2005
Art-educator -
Publications and writings
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2025
about A woman - IN YOUR FACE 2.0 exhibition catalogue
Report AiR DRAWinternational September - October 2024 (Dutch)
Report AiR DRAWinternational September - October 2024 (English)
GNKK The Major Dutch Art Calendar 2025
2024
Rolina Nell & Josefien Alkema broadcasting company Het Hogeland
Rolina Nell Art House of U showcase
GNKK The Major Dutch Art Calendar 2024
2023
In de tussentijd belanden, Rolina Nell Van Gogh AiR interview by writer in the visual arts Esther van Rosmalen Witte Rook Breda
Was getekend…Tekenkabinet XI te gast at galerie Art Singel 100 review by art historian Sandra Mackus, drawingblog
Tekenkabinet XI exhibition catalogue
In the studio of Rolina Nell video registration of Studio Snoekduik | Kunstpunt Groningen
2022
about A woman - witte wieven video registration of the creation of the exhibition
2021
Kunstenaars estafette: Rolina Nell interview Kunstuitleen Emmeloord
Eigezinnige kijk op 'oude' meesters review by journalist Illand Pietersma | Dagblad van het Noorden, newspaper article
Everything is possible Publieke Werken Rotterdam exhibition catalogue
Tekenkabinet IX exhibition catalogue
Gedenkwaardig virtual tour | exhibition catalogue
2020
Rolina Nell 5 oktober 2020 by journalist Wim Noordhoek, artlog
Rolina 25 september 2020 by journalist Wim Noordhoek , artlog
Niets dan tijd review by jounalist Joep van Ruiten | Dagblad van het Noorden, newspaper article
Omdenken review by politician H Tiesinga, local newspaper
Tekenkabinet XS exhibition catalogue
2019
Die Fleissige Mitteldeutsche Zeitung, newspaper article
album book self-published/-designed/-edited
zij zei interview by B-FM broadcasting company region Zutphen
Het is Maandag Wasdag in Harderwijk by journalist Peter van Eekelen | broadcasting company province Gelderland
Streekdracht als houvast en keurslijf interview by journalist Marion Groenewoud journalist | De Stentor, newspaper article
RESET exhibition catalogue
2018
Beep Painting Biennial exhibition catalogue
2017
REFLECTIE, TROOST, DOORGEVEN overview of the fourth 100 acquisitions for the DELA art collection, book
De crematoriumkunst van Dela: werken die schuren en waar je een fijne zucht bij laat De Volkskrant, newspaper article
Rolina Nell in Charlois by journalist Wim Noordhoek, artlog
Kwetsbaar, aaibaar review by journalist Illand Pietersma | Dagblad van het Noorden, newspaper article
GNKK The Major Dutch Art Calendar
2016
wat er is opening speech by artist Arie van Geest, Rotterdam the Netherlands
Rolina Nell open studio interview by artist Maeshelle West-Davies | The Leipzig Glocal, online article
2015
verstoppertje poem by Ab Bertholet
Kondensat ArToll malerlabor, exhibition catalogue
GRKK The Major Rotterdam Art Calendar
2014
Temporary Threads opening speech by artist Borghild Rudjord Unneland, Kristiansand Norway
Det er godt a ikke bli forstyrret av familien by journalist Eva Myklebust Fædrelandsvennen Norway, newspaper article
Elver henger pa veggen by journalist Lars Hollerud Fædrelandsvennen Norway, newspaper article
Local Heroes photos by artist Reyer Boxem, magazine
Rolina Nell schildert ‘haar’ vrouwen op muren theater interview local newspaper
Staan en wachten met Rolina Nell interview local newspaper
2013
Rolina Nell exposeert werken op RE: Rotterdam Art Fair en RAW China Expo interview local newspaper
GRKK The Major Rotterdam Art Calendar
2012
Jubileumtentoonstelling PEK Eindhoven, exhibition catalogue
Re;Rotterdam-deel-2 Trendbeheer 11/2/2012, artlog
2011
Uit Zicht PEK Eindhoven, newspaper article
onderZOEKT Trendbeheer 29/10/2011 27/11/2010, artlog
2010
Representeert De Curator, one-off newspaper about curating exhibitions, visions about curating art
De Overslag 2008-2009 Eindhoven, exhibition catalogue
op_LOCATIE id11 Delft, project catalogue
2009
Reflection on Rolina's paintings by art historian, visual arts reviewer Lida Bonnema (English transelation by Mike Ritchie)
Beschouwing over de schilderkunst van Rolina Nell by kunsthistoricus, recensent beeldende kunst Lida Bonnema
FLAT_land id11 Delft, project catalogue
Plein Delft cultuurjaar 2009, magazine
Gids Delft cultuurjaar 2009, magazine
De Unie Uitgelicht Rotterdam, program flyer
Nomaden Trendbeheer 5/5/2009, artlog
Coloringbook 52 drawing self-published/-designed
2008
Reflection on Rolina's paintings by galerist Mylissa Fitzsimmons of LittleBird gallery Los Angeles USA
Die tijdelijkheid werkt bevrijdend by journalist Rina Tienstra | HanzeMagazine
13 Delft, artists catalogue
STARTDOCUMENT an AiR in Delft id11, project catalogue
been everywhere, seen everything project catalogue self-published/-designed
2007
Residencies' report by Rolina Nell from Bulgaria / Georgia / Iran / India / China / Latvia - 2007 DutchCulture | TransArtists
Droomsamenleving PJ Partners, magazine
2006
Working on Common differences New York Arts Magazine exhibition Distance Nanijing China, magazine
2005
Alles van waarde.. de Nederlandsche Cacaofabriek Helmond, exhibition catalogue
2003
Atelierroute Charlois Rotterdam, newspaper article
2002
Daar gebeurt het…, De Stentor, newspaper article
2001
Versie 1.0 Minerva Art Academy final exam catalogue
Kunst op de Kast UMC Groningen, project catalogue