Sjaak Kooij

Artist Statement | In my work I use elements of actuality such as social, cultural or political issues that define our times. I take images from media and everyday events – alternated with footage from my personal archive – out of their original context, which creates an exciting interaction between image and content. As a result, the spectator will be confronted with these contemporary topics in an entirely different way. Themes such as anonymity, estrangement, individualism and transience play an important role in the artwork. These themes, occasionally used in an absurd staging, confront the viewer with the ideas and posed questions I’ve put in. Hereby not taking position, but rather allowing the viewer to experience for themselves. The paintings represent a search for boundaries, in which technique and image merge into one whole. Imagining these extremes manifests itself in dynamics and strong contrasts. The work derives partly from the expressionistic method or instead staged as substantive contrast. The different contrasts are not only reflected in content, but can be found in technique and design too. Due to a layered method of working, the painting will create a dialogue with itself during the process. The act of painting itself, working with different materials with paint as a foundation, is an important part of establishing the artwork. The process of adding, removing and repainting, but above all exploring the medium painting, is essential for me as an artist.