Micha van der Molen (2002, Drenthe) is an autonomous designer who graduated from Academie Minerva in 2025. Micha creates large-scale installations in which he explores how people relate to their environment and how that environment, often shaped by human systems and constructions, influences us in return. His fascination lies with the absurd: situations or designs that have become so self-evident that we no longer notice how strange or uncomfortable they actually are.
Drawing from personal observations, such as an experience with a service counter or a grain of sand in an earthquake zone, Micha focuses on recognizable elements that symbolize larger societal issues. He removes them from their context and either enlarges or reduces them. In doing so, he creates a reconstruction of reality where confusion, alienation and wonder converge.
For his graduation project, Micha van der Molen founded the Institute for Sand Grain Elevation Policy (IZH). In this project, he addresses the major issue of the sinking ground by magnifying the small, the sand grain. By enlarging this tiny element, he aims to make the absurdity visible and to provoke viewers to reflect on our role in these societal issues.
Exhibitions
Dutch Design Week 2025
Oct 18 - Oct 26, 2025
Eindhoven, Nieuwe Emmasingel
Oct 18 - Oct 26, 2025
Eindhoven, Nieuwe Emmasingel
Graduation Show Minerva
Jun 14 - Jun 19, 2025
Groningen, Niemeyer
Jun 14 - Jun 19, 2025
Groningen, Niemeyer
De Nieuwe Editie x ESNS
Jan 16 - Jan 17, 2025
Groningen, Minerva Academy
Jan 16 - Jan 17, 2025
Groningen, Minerva Academy
Hoog en Laag
Oct 18 - Nov 3, 2024
Groningen, Galerie Gewaagd
Oct 18 - Nov 3, 2024
Groningen, Galerie Gewaagd
Finally – Design from Groningen
Aug 26 - Sept 24, 2023
Groningen, DADDesignStories
Aug 26 - Sept 24, 2023
Groningen, DADDesignStories
Link
Jul 4 - Jul 6, 2023
Groningen, Hooghouse
Jul 4 - Jul 6, 2023
Groningen, Hooghouse
Education
Minerva Academy - Groningen
Bachelor of Arts, cum laude
2021 – 2025
Bachelor of Arts, cum laude
2021 – 2025
Minerva Academy - Groningen
Minor in Fine Arts
2024
Minor in Fine Arts
2024
Noorderpoort - Groningen
Media Design
2019 – 2021
Media Design
2019 – 2021
Awards / Nominations
2025, Minerva Design Award, Nominated
Media
VPRO: 10 Tips for Dutch Design Week 2025 ➝ Read here
DutchDesignWeek: Discover the Grand Projects in Public Space at DDW25. ➝ Read here
Dagblad van het Noorden: Kan de wereld beter en mooier worden? Honderdzestig kunststudenten laten in Groningen zien hoe. ➝ Read here
OOG TV: Eindexamenexpositie Minerva: Van dildo’s op uiers tot Hondsrugzand op lage gebieden. ➝ Read here