Born in Groningen, Netherlands, Aernout Mik studied at the Academie Minerva. He gained international prominence in the 1990s for his complex, multi-channel video installations that often feature performers in repetitive, ambiguous scenarios within constructed architectural settings.

His practice frequently examines the intersection of psychology and sociology, focusing on how individuals behave within groups or under the pressure of systemic change. By integrating video projections with physical structures, he creates environments that blur the line between the viewer and the observed subjects.

Mik continues to be a significant figure in contemporary art, with his works held in major institutional collections. Recent recognition includes his inclusion in the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam's exhibition Things I’ve Never Seen Before, which highlights his long-standing relationship with influential galleries and the evolution of his installation-based practice.