Jan van der Ploeg Livres

With colour, repetition and scale, Van der Ploeg eschews static functional design dialogue opting instead for lively visual attention. One needs to approach his wall paintings with the same curiosity as one would approach a Sol LeWitt wall drawing or an Ellsworth Kelly shaped canvas. Despite their graphic and generous scale, close and intense observation is required. Includes recent wall paintings in Wellington, Amsterdam, Heerlen, Boijmans van Beuningen in Rotterdam, the Dutch embassy in Paris, the Horse Move Project Space in Amsterdam, the Konsortium in Dusseldorf, Sarah Cottier Gallery in Sydney and the Kunstverein in Graz.

During the 1990s, Amsterdam-based artist Jan van der Ploeg gained international acclaim for his wall paintings, which blend classical modernism with contemporary aesthetics. His abstract wall images draw inspiration from the De Stijl movement of the 1920s, merging color and form with architectural space. When engaging with municipal, public, or private spaces, he meticulously examines the spatial structure, proportions, sightlines, and existing architectural elements, gaining insight into how these spaces are utilized. His work resonates with the traditions of Minimal and Conceptual Art, echoing the famous mobiles of Alexander Calder and Richard Artschwager's scenic interventions, as well as the serial wall paintings of LeWitt. However, van der Ploeg's work is described as "overwhelming, grand and vibrant," transporting viewers into a utopian realm of colors and contrasts. By drawing on 20th-century art styles and movements, he effectively bridges the gap between the 20th and 21st centuries, creating graphic dream worlds within physical spaces. This catalogue offers a comprehensive overview of his spectacular images, inviting viewers to express their amazement with a resounding WOW! Notable exhibitions include Kunsthaus Baselland Muttenz and Hebel_121 in Basle.