talking Heads

As before I am continuously working on my heads (NL koppen), Heads are a result of a systematic, non-rational exploration of who we think we are, a skull and spirit fighting to get out. In a way every single  head is a self portrait, a state of 'mind'.

Heads (size 50x65 cm, A3, A4, A5), Masks (A5) always are my favorite subjects, mixes of acrylics, walnutink, coffee, Falu, waxpastel. Most recently I have been making studies of the back of my head, in mudpaint and wallnutink. Dito, making long versions of A Painter as /is a Warrior (25 x50 cm): inspired by visits to recent exhibitions, such as Berlinde de Bruyckere in Bozar (Brussles), Anselm Kiefer in Van Gogh and Stedelijk Museum (Amsterdam), and Charlie Toorop in Kröller-Müller.

Drawing, painting, shaping, talking heads ('koppen' in Dutch). My "heads" not only are focused on the outside, the looks, a portrait, but above all an inquiry, an interrogation, an investigation and exploration of the self, a state of mind; and thus, a metaphor for the inside, feelings, thoughts, mind and spirit, everything you think you are, or want to be, Anything that wants to get out, gets in: masks, skulls, life, death, Lines, blots, spots; ropes, rust, metal wire, cardboard, paper pieces,

More Heads

Inspiration is everywhere, e.g. by the Moai's (stone heads) of Easter Island, and seeing Leo Gestel's Spakenburger vissers (1934) in the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam. I combined both into my 3 Mogai's (wise people a.k.a. as 3 Kings coming from the East), in mudpaint and wax pastel and I added a Moai as well.