KEES VAN DE WAL | Abstract Characters in Dialogue | AL’S OFFICE

September 8 - October 11, 2024

VIEW EXHIBITION

In search of the ultimate form. I am in search of the ultimate form, a form that represents nothing but says everything. Within my minimalist imagery, I create modest but powerful forms, forms that take their place in the space. My work is about form, color and matter, stillness is the theme. My first paintings - around 2008 - were inspired by the empty vast landscape of Vlieland. I painted empty landscapes, horizontal tessellations in which tranquility and space were the subject. When I said goodbye to the “horizon” - sometime around 2014 - suggestions of clouds and vegetation took center stage, which immediately abstracted into independent forms detached from their origins. When I was no longer constrained by the edges of the canvas - around 2016/2017 - the first wall objects emerged, allowing me to add form and matter to my work. I used extruded polystyrene (XPS) as a base and covered it with layers of paper, plaster and/or paint. Currently - since summer 2022 - I take inspiration from cardboard from old packaging boxes and make large and small wall objects. In all these years, stillness and minimalism have remained.

 I get the boxes from friends and stores in the neighbourhood. They have been used, something has been packed in them, transported, it has had a way. There are fold lines, nicks and sticky edges. It is damaged. The material challenges me to create new forms, minimalist hushed objects. Among other things, I work with acrylic and alkyd paint and oil stick. In my work I try to create my own world, looking for balance but also tension, imperfection, not showy but quiet and subdued. This gives each object its own character, modest and informal. This is my world; this is who I am. (July 2024)

Kees van de Wal started his art education in 2009 at the Academy of Fine Arts in Arendonk (Belgium), painting department. After five years, he graduated with honourable mention. Two years later, he earned the specialization degree with high distinction. Van de Wal's work has been shown in group exhibitions, including ARTROOM SCHROTH at Museum Wilhelm Morgner, Soest (Germany); Museum iCOON, Hoek van Holland (Netherlands); Gallery PLAY room, Zaandam (Netherlands); ZEIT Art space, Antwerp (Belgium); Gallery Bos Fine Art, The Hague (Netherlands); Gloam Gallery, Sheffield (United Kingdom); Poimena Gallery, Mowbray Heights (Tasmania); Museum Belvédère, Heerenveen (Netherlands). And in solo and duo exhibitions, among others at Amelie Maison d'Art, Paris; Gallery Van Caelenberg, Aalst (Belgium); Gallery Agnes Raben, Vorden (Netherlands); Kunstlokaal No.8, Jubbega (Netherlands); Kunsthuis LOOF, Jubbega (Netherlands); Gallery Mikst Media, Woudrichem (Netherlands).