Jasper van der Graaf
Dordecht (the Netherlands), 1975
The paintings and murals of Jasper van der Graaf (1975) are constructed of fixed surfaces, elastic lines and dynamical structures, that seem to play a game of attraction and repulsion. The spontaneous, abstract constructions remind one of shapes from nature, crystals or stretched-out chewing gum. Van der Graaf’s work is graphically fixed, non-figurative and contains a (sometimes implicit) orderliness. Within the abstract arts, Van der Graaf holds his very own place.
Van der Graaf’s work is brought about in little drafts in collage techniques. For this purposes, old objects are detached over and over again, after which they evolve to new ones step by step. Whilst choosing the shape and colour choices of murals, Van der Graaf takes the spacial circumstances into account, which creates an interaction between space, shape, coincidence and choice. For De Lakenhal Open Air Museum he’s creating a bi-coloured mural.
Van der Graaf loves the plain line of De Stijl and the abstraction that provides the viewer with freedom for personal interpretations. De Stijl is, to Van der Graaf, about freedom through abstraction, about effectivity through a clear and elemental visual language and the power of creative people, as soon as they unite. Dutch Design came into being on account of De Stijl and is, according to him, typical Dutch; the Dutch landscape, buildings, roads, water works, chairs, lamps, typography, art work; isn’t it all Dutch Design?!
Jasper van der Graaf graduaded in 1999 at the Willem de Kooning Academie in Rotterdam. Is work can be seen at home and abroad, recently in Transmitter (New York), Mondriaanhuis (Amersfoort), HEDEN (The Hague), PARK (Tilburg), PHK18 (Rotterdam) and Rob de Vries Gallery & Projects. Apart from this Van der Graaf is also active as a curator.
