Patricia Hofstede is a painter and costume designer based in Amsterdam. 

In Patricia Hofstede’s painting and costume design practice, the two fields are intimately related: both embody a sense of timelessness and inherent beauty. Patricia’s earthy palettes, distinct language of geometric forms and associative symbolism foster an environment of meditative stillness and resonance.

Her paintings are rooted in an intuitive creative process, and as such strongly evoke mood and atmosphere. Her practice is influenced by spirituality and esotericism, opening portals to new possibilities, atmospheres, and dimensions. At its heart, her work explores transformation—bridging personal and internal imaginaries with larger collective and cosmic spheres. Through these alchemical processes, the work invites new connections within ourselves and with the world around us. She is particularly drawn to non-dualistic relationships, including the interplay between intuition and intellect, chaos and harmony, feminine and masculine. 

Because of her background as a Costume Designer, textiles and texture have always been the starting point and literal (common) thread that remains visible in the final image. Recycled textiles—often dark, raw/unprocessed linen and burlap, and imbued with history—form the foundation of her work. They create a rich texture, layered depth, and unique color palette that define her visual language. The multiple layers—sometimes visible, sometimes hidden—reflect her inner search and struggle, culminating in what becomes the final image, what can be called the essence/outcome of the piece. Often, the outcome is a field of harmony and calm.

The process is like a long meditation practice: in the early stages, there are fields of distraction, contradictions, and chaos. But as the work evolves, it moves toward a state of unity, relaxation, hope, and lightness—an arrival at peace. In this way, the act of creating mirrors the meditative journey itself.

Patricia’s designs for stage costumes emphasize qualities related to her paint work.  In recent years, she has contributed to interdisciplinary collaborations in the fields of the arts, music, and theater with internationally renowned directors and performing artists. 

Among others, she designed costumes for the English Baroque Soloists and the Monteverdi Choir, led by John Eliot Gardiner, for their landmark project to experience all three surviving operas by Monteverdi; l’Incoronazione di Poppea, Il ritorno d’Ulisse in patria and l’Orfeo. In 2019 she was the costume designer for their tour of Handel’s Semele. 

Patricia has worked with director Sjaron Minailo on several projects. She designed costumes for ‘Future Opera’ at the Bergen National Opera, The arrival of Mr Z by composer Meric Artaç, and most recently for the opera Notwehr, composed by Annelies van Parys at the Biennale in Venice.

Paintings Patricia Hofstede Art Patricia Hofstede

Atelier Paradis is the name given to the garments that have emerged from the studio since 2016 and have led to many collaborations in the field of costume design.