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Welcome to the website of Gert Jan Slotboom
Introduction
Gert Jan Slotboom’s paintings are not only imposing by their size but also by their remarkable colours. With a minimum of colours a maximum effect is reached. The style which is used by the artist is easily recognisable; in thin, transparent layers the paint is brought onto the canvas. This is done with quick, large movements. The images often have a watery quality, as though painted in watercolours.
The subject “Bridges” has always been important in his paintings but in his current work he concentrates on elements of bridges. He zooms in on details of impressive technical constructions confronting the viewer with an abstract image which does not remind him of the underlying, realistic picture. Slotboom’s most recent paintings are those of church interiors. These large works of art breathe out a melancholy atmosphere which is caused by the bleak use of colour. There seems to be a discrepancy between the colours of the image and what is represented. The colours move towards an organic subject, but on closer inspection these colours take the image to a higher level.
In his choice of subjects Slotboom is often inspired by memories from his youth; the first impressions made on him by huge constructions like bridges and churches, barns and hothouses. As a viewer you are brought down to the size and dimension of a child, overpowered by the immenseness of the adult world. Still, Slotboom manages to show us a mature view on his world of memories, which makes his work intricate and intense without becoming sentimental.
2005
JdB
Gert Jan Slotboom
Paintings