Sjaak Kooij

Detroit sleeping beauty
2016
acryl and oil on canvas
120 X 150 cm
Woodward ave
2016
acryl and oil on canvas
120 x 80 cm
the perpetual spectator
2016
acryl and oil on canvas
150 x 120 cm
anatomical lesson
2016
acryl on canvas
150 x 200 cm
Threepenny battalion
2016
acryl and oil on canvas
120 x 150 cm

In my work I draw on tatters of modern reality: particularly social, cultural and political subjects determining the face of this age. I use images from contemporary media and everyday events – alternated with images from my own archive – and take them out of their original context, creating an exciting interaction between image and content. This confronts the viewer with these contemporary subjects in an unfamiliar way. Themes such as anonymity, alienation, individualism and transience play an important role in the work. These themes – somewhat absurdly staged at times – confront the viewer with ideas and questions that I pose. Not taking a stand myself, but rather aiming to offer the viewer an experience.

The artworks tell us about a search for boundaries, in which technology and image merge to form a larger whole. The representation of these extremes is expressed in dynamic and stark contrasts. In part, the work springs from the expressionist method; partly, it is staged as contrast in content.

These contrasts can be observed not only in content, but also in technique and design. Through a layered procedure, the painting enters into a dialogue with itself. The process of painting, as well as working with materials other than paint, forms an important part of the creation of the artwork. The processes of adding, leaving out and painting over, and especially the method of working with paint as a medium, are essential to me as an artist.

 

 

www.sjaakkooij.com
Detroit sleeping beauty
2016
acryl and oil on canvas
120 X 150 cm
Woodward ave
2016
acryl and oil on canvas
120 x 80 cm
the perpetual spectator
2016
acryl and oil on canvas
150 x 120 cm
anatomical lesson
2016
acryl on canvas
150 x 200 cm
Threepenny battalion
2016
acryl and oil on canvas
120 x 150 cm