Looking back on 2010

In 2010, a new subject came my way, which I felt was something I could really get my teeth into. The series with the Smurfs and the ballet girls felt somewhat like a side track; this new series seemed more in line with the caravans and the new housing estates. It started with sketching a power socket, actually as an exercise in drawing from observation. That sketch became a painting, and then several more. I ended up making dozens of works: power sockets, light switches and fire alarms in more or less actual size.

I called the series: “Functional things on the wall”.

I was often annoyed by things like a thermostat mounted right in the middle of that one large wall in the house, where you actually wanted to put the bookcase. Or paintings on walls with a power socket right next to them that distracts attention from the painting (even in museums). Or mandatory emergency exit signs and fire alarms that detract from the character of distinctive buildings. This annoyance has inspired me for several years.

I started painting the objects in various larger formats.

Then the surroundings were added. In previous years, patterns had emerged in my work, which now led to wallpaper patterns and Delft blue tiles as a background for the sockets and the like. The next step was to add (parts of) existing works of art to the composition. Whereas I find this disturbing in everyday life, I consciously incorporate it into my work.

1. Fire alarm, oil on canvas, 10 x 10 x 4 cm, 2010

2. Installation, various sizes on canvas and panel, 2010

3. Untitled (light switch on white wall), acrylic on panel, 40 x 30 cm, 2010

4. Untitled (socket on red wallpaper), oil on paper on canvas, 50 x 40 cm, 2010

5. Untitled (socket on grey wallpaper), acrylic on panel, 53 x 53 cm, 2010

6. Untitled (light switch on blue wallpaper), acrylic on panel, 80 x 120 cm, 2010

7. Untitled, oil on panel, 53 x 53 cm, 2010