Rob de Oude
Den Helder (the Netherlands), 1970
The work of Rob de Oude (1970) is based on the accumulative effects of straight lines. The variety of lines is usually made with the aid of a self-made guide device that allows for a level of precision and accuracy in the execution. The overlaid repetitive sequences of lines make for unpredictabilities in the outcome that include patterns, shapes, color shifts, moiré patterns and other kinds of optical anomalies. Combining an unplanned approach with preset parameters and methodologies makes for a constant variety in results while adhering to a visual consistency.
As for De Oude, De Stijl draws a personal line to his past in The Netherlands; in the present De Stijl is of great significance within the architecture of New York, his current residence. The influence of De Stijl on his work can be seen through the application of straight lines and systems, as well as in the search for diversity in repetition. The imposed constraints, which were of great importance to members of De Stijl in the crystallisation process of the design, are still meaningful for De Oude.
For De Lakenhal Open Air Museum, De Oude has designed a series of murals, based on the repetition of part of a mural in his studio in New York. Printed on poster paper, it forms the foundation for the wall in Leiden. Rob de Oude studied Painting, Sculpture and Art History at the Hogeschool voor de Kunsten in Amsterdam and, through an exchange program, at SUNY Purchase, NY. He has exhibited in the US and abroad, notably at: Galerie Gourvennec Ogor in Marseille (FR), Storefront Bushwick in Brooklyn, NY, McKenzie Fine Art in New York, NY, Galerie van den Berge in Goes, Pentimenti in Philadelphia, PA, DM Contemporary, NY, The Curator Gallery in New York, and has participated in art fairs in the US and Europe. He has been living in New York for the past two decades and has his studio in Brooklyn, NY. He is founding member and co-director of the Brooklyn based gallery Transmitter.
