A philosopher in the morning, a painter in the afternoon and a musician at night
In the vibrant tapestry of life, where dreams intertwine with colors and passions ignite, a multifaceted visionary named Pieter Adriaans emerges as a true Renaissance soul. With an unwavering desire to create harmony between art, science, and business, he embarks on a lifelong quest to explore the boundless possibilities that lie at the intersection of these realms.
Born in the spirited era of the 1960s, Pieter grew up in the Netherlands, amidst a cultural revolution that shook the foundations of society. These transformative years left an indelible mark on his artistic expression, serving as a perpetual wellspring of inspiration. At the tender age of fourteen, he resolved to channel his energy into honing his artistic talents, embarking on a path of self-discovery and unwavering dedication. Fate smiled upon him when he crossed paths with his beloved Rini, who would become his lifelong companion on a journey spanning over five decades.
Unconventional in his approach, Pieter forwent traditional art schools, recognizing that their offerings fell short of his ambitions as a figurative painter. Instead, he delved into the depths of analytical philosophy and mathematics during seven transformative years at Leiden University, expanding his horizons and cultivating a profound understanding of the world around him.
Parallel to his artistic endeavors, Pieter embarked on a career in the software business, eventually co-founding his own company, Syllogic, alongside his partner Dolf Zantinge. Simultaneously, he pursued his academic pursuits, earning a Ph.D. in theoretical computer science from the University of Amsterdam, focusing his research on machine learning. Syllogic blossomed into a global leader in artificial intelligence and data mining before being acquired by Perot Systems at the end of the 1990s. Recognizing Pieter’s exceptional accomplishments, the University of Amsterdam extended an invitation for him to hold a distinguished chair in Artificial Intelligence, which he graciously accepted and held until his retirement in 2021.
A serendipitous encounter with the unforgiving tempests of the Atlantic Ocean forever altered the course of Pieter’s life. During a solo transatlantic crossing on his yacht, the Syllogic Sailing Lab, he sought refuge in the port of Horta in the Azores, where destiny unfolded its enigmatic hand. Captivated by the islands’ isolated society, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes, both Pieter and Rini fell head over heels in love with the Azores, eventually acquiring a home in the picturesque village of Manadas on São Jorge Island. This newfound haven became a wellspring of inspiration, shaping Pieter’s artistic and philosophical explorations in profound ways.
Over the ensuing decades, Pieter’s artistic mastery flourished alongside his philosophical pursuits. He ascended to become one of the world’s foremost experts in the philosophy of information, employing information theory to delve into the intricacies of human cognition and creativity. Within the sanctum of his Santo Antonio studio, he embarked on relentless experimentation, pushing the boundaries of drawing and painting techniques. In 2013, Pieter published “Painting for the Brain,” a captivating book that unveiled his groundbreaking discoveries to a broader audience, unlocking the profound connection between art and cognition.
In the present, Pieter and Rini reside on São Jorge Island, their radiant spirits infusing every aspect of their lives. They enliven the creative landscape through the Art Restaurant Manezinho, a vibrant culinary sanctuary, and Atelier de Kaasfabriek, a cultural center where artistic souls unite. Pieter remains steadfast in his pursuit of balance between science, art, and business, a philosopher by morning, a painter by afternoon, and often a melody weaver, strumming his guitar and singing into the evening at Manezinho