Looking back on 2024

I have always had a fondness for beautiful paper. And for patterns. And for animals. All of this comes together in the series of paintings featuring origami animal figures. I also love abstractions; there is a world of difference between a painting of a seal and a painting of a piece of paper folded into the shape of a seal.

Folding the figures can sometimes be quite a puzzle. I find it fascinating what you can get out of a simple square piece of paper and I admire those who come up with the complex designs. I am generally fascinated by Japan, its aesthetics, refinement, attention to nature, philosophy and food. That said, the subject is just a hook and for me it's also about the painting itself, about fine forms, intense colours, atmosphere and paint texture.

My earlier series always contain social criticism. Not always in the foreground, but definitely present. This series does not have that so directly. Why is that? I think it is because of the amount of misery in the world that can make you feel despondent. I need beauty, comfort, balance. Not focusing on everything that is wrong for a moment, but dwelling on something small. A beautifully made piece of paper. Folded with care and pleasure. Into a funny little animal. And then painting that. It makes the world a more beautiful place.

1. ‘Hello Sea Lion’, 100 x 85 cm, oil on canvas, 2024

2. ‘Hello Swan’, oil on canvas, 70 x 70 cm, 2024

3. ‘Hello Dino’, oil on panel, 8 x 14.5 cm, 2024

4. ‘HelloPig’, oil on panel, 9.5 x 14 cm, 2024

5. ‘Hello Goose’ #2, oil on canvas, 40 x 50 cm, 2024

6. ‘Hello Dachshund’, oil on canvas, 75 x 120 cm, 2024