Robert van de Graaf

Biography

Robert van de Graaf (b. 1983, the Netherlands) is interested in the connections and relations between the mystical in this world, in all its manifestations (the sea, the sky, nature, human built environments, light and darkness), and the sense and the dimension of the spiritual world and our soul.
In his exploration he is seeking the mystical hidden in this world which he translates into metaphorical paintings. The works express a complex interplay of visual impressions combined with emotional and spiritual reflection. Each piece gives substance to his ongoing personal journey to seek meaning in life.

With his work Van de Graaf questions human destiny and how we as human beings can develop ourselves and grow on a spiritual level. He wishes his artworks to stimulate an opening towards personal deepening, both for himself and the viewer. The artworks aim to elicit a gaze back at the viewer, a reflection of feelings, crossing the line from observation to introspection.

Van de Graaf draws his inspiration from religious and spiritual stories, mythology, mystical places and the philosophy of life. His poetry, written during or before the creative process, also has a direct influence on his work.
He transforms his inspiration into contemporary interpretations while richly referring to artists through all times of art history such as Caspar David Friedrich, Anselm Kiefer, Joan Mitchell and the old masters.

Though primarily working on his oil paintings, he is also using drawings and watercolours during the creation process. The oil paintings are layered, densely merging his diverse range of mark making, the expressive use of colour and studied compositions. His mark making, using brushes and palette knives, is moving from energetic gestural marks to very delicate ones, wishing his mark making to create a language which speaks directly to the heart and soul, not only to the ratio and mind. Throughout the different stages of the work he is adjusting in working speed, working from fast directed intuitive outbursts to precisely observed slower additions.
The paintings are often large in scale and balance between the figurative and the abstract, giving a certain freedom to the viewer.

Van de Graaf received a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Architecture (Technical University Delft) in 2009. At an early age he enjoyed an intense private painting and drawing training (1996 - 2001) by the Dutch artist Erica Meyster (1949 - 2006).

Van de Graaf experiences the process of creating as freedom, inner battles and faith.

What’s your background?

I am of Dutch origin, with a mixture of English, German and Indonesian influences. My grandmother was German and nana (my other grandmother) was English. One grandfather was half Indonesian, and my other grandfather was fully Dutch. 

In my direct and indirect family there are a lot of engineers and economists. My father is an engineer and my mother a librarian.

The only family member who was really engaged and connected with the arts was my English grandmother, who was an amateur painter herself and a professional pianist. I also loved playing on her Petrof grand piano, both jazz and classical music.

Since I was a child I have always been drawing and creating things. During my childhood there was a lot of support to explore my artistic potential, but only as a hobby, not to pursue a career in the arts. I did get professional training in painting and drawing from a Dutch artist, Erica Mystery (1949 - 2006). 

So eventually I decided to study architecture and in 2009 I received a MSc degree in Architecture from the Technical University in Delft, NL (2009). 

There have been a few crucial moments when I thought about making the switch to the arts again, but that lasted until 2011 when I really switched to my career in the arts. 

What does it mean to you to win the Collectors Art Prize?

It means a lot to me, getting the recognition for my hard work as an artist. Winning the prize gives me energy and positive vibes that help me to continue my artistic journey at a consistent and thoughtful pace.

What do you think is the role of art in the world today?

I think art is important on so many levels. As the arts is a profession which can be both connected and disconnected with society there is such a great freedom to discuss all the topics that inspire artists around the world. Because of that freedom, art has the strong ability to inspire, confront, educate and reflect on our time. For me the arts really provide an essential perspective on the world we live in and it enriches my life.

Living with a work of art can add something important and powerful to your life that only an artwork is capable of giving.

What would it be if you could change one thing about the art world?

Well I would like that it would become a common event for normal citizens to purchase a work of art from starting and / or emerging artists. I think this would be a great possibility to make life for artists and starting galleries in general a bit easier. I think there should be a sort of world wide campaign for that, lol… ‘Buy Art from Living Artists and Get Inspired’ or something like that..

What are your most significant professional achievements?

I think the most significant achievement are the artworks I have been creating during my artistic journey. It is not easy to make a consistent body of work while also developing your personal style and personality as an artist. So far I think the process is going in the right direction, not that I am ever really satisfied, no, I like to keep on pushing myself and I always want to go to the next step. After I finish a body of work I often think, it is alright, but next time I will do better. 

And my recent solo exhibition at the ‘Salon des Arts’ in Maastricht which was curated by Ad Himmelreich, a former conservator of the Bonnefanten museum. The exhibition was a great success and it was very nice to see that the visitors responded so well to the artworks. 

But probably the most important achievement is the essay that Ad Himmelreich wrote about my work. When I read the article it made me silent, I felt very grateful to read these words about my art.

Apart from that I have also been selected as one of the 20 internationally chosen artists for the ‘Emerging Artist Program 2023’ by Contemporary Art Collectors, which is great.

What do you wish to tell viewers about your work that might not come out explicitly? What do you hope to inspire with your artwork?

There are different ways of looking at my work. Because my artworks balance between the figurative and the abstract there is enough freedom in my work that the viewer is able to create their own story about the work, and I think this is great. Apart from this freedom there are also a lot of underlying layers of meaning and inspirations in the artworks, which is also possible for the viewer to dive into. 

All the ways of looking at my artworks are great to me, I do not wish to impose a fixed direction in perceiving the artworks. I just like to provide the inspiration and information that created the works, including the poems I write about the works.

Collectors who own my work often tell me they see all these hidden figures, animals or signs in the works. And I never meant to paint them, but they just appeared in the work, and maybe I have never seen it myself. I think that is great. The artwork is communicating with the viewer and they create their own little private world, the viewer and the artwork. And I really like when this is happening, and it makes me really happy.

At the end I wish that my artworks stimulate an opening towards personal deepening. The artworks are inspired by my personal journey to seek meaning in life and my quest for inner freedom. They also appeal to our capacity for openness, which makes it possible for yourself to open up new spaces.

What advice would you give to the upcoming generation of artists?

Try to make a short term plan and a long term plan. Keep your end goals clear and just go. Keep on creating, in good and bad times. Keep pushing yourself, but also try to be nice to yourself. 

Do not listen to people who do not understand art and your artistic journey, it can be very toxic if you pay too much attention to them. But at the same time listen to all the advice, try to look at it from a distance, and determine if there might be something useful in it. 

Be precious about your time, people might get the idea they can ask you to do whatever too easily because you have a lot of freedom as an artist. All the studio time in and around the studio is work, so you are available after you are done. 

In what direction would you like to see your career go in the next five years?

I would like to be represented by a good international gallery and to build a good relation with them. To deliver artworks which are improving every time and to create interesting, meaningful and beautiful exhibitions with them.

Keep on pushing myself to develop, learn and improve my art making.

Country The Netherlands

Website www.robertvandegraaf.com