SmithDavidson Gallery will present a selection of works by prominent Dutch Artists Gerard Verdijk and Matthijs Scholten in combination with selected important Australian Indigenous Artists.
Dutch artist Gerard Verdijk noticed in a visit to New Mexico in 1991 how native American symbols corresponded strongly to Celtic symbols from Europe. He was fascinated by the fact that so vastly different and distant cultures used these similar shapes; a defining moment in his artistic practice. His late paintings show a great restraint in minimalist compositions, yet they are filled with layered and sensuous color fields that fill the voids around solid objects and shapes, which - in turn - are often inspired by these ancient cultures Verdijk encountered during his travels. Verdijk during his lifetime had been exhibited and collected widely by all major museums in The Netherlands and abroad, his solitary and unique style is only subtly linked - at best - to any of the main stream art movements of the 20th Century and has therefore stayed outside of the main canon. Now, almost 2 decades after his passing in 2005, SmithDavidson Gallery is bringing the artist back on the international stage. In late 2023 with a solo exhibition in Amsterdam and for 2024 the first international presentation at a major art exhibition during EXPO Chicago.
Works by Emily Kame Kngwarreye, John John Bennett Tjapanangka, Paddy Nyunkuny Bedford and Warlimpirrnga Tjapaltjarri show elements of a universal visual language from the traditional ceremonies of Australias indigenous communities. All of these artists were respected elders within their communities and held positions of great seniority and influence. Through their art they tell stories of historic and cultural significance, their true meaning often hidden behind seemingly abstract figures and dots.
Retracing the focus for the presentation at EXPO Chicago back to Europe, contemporary self-taught artist Matthijs Scholten shows how a very personal visual journey of self discovery can contain such universal symbols and elements, and how Modern & Contemporary Artists have always been intrigued by traditional cultures and local folklore. In Scholten’s works layered abstract and often graphic elements are connected in layers of ever finer symbols and lines, creating faces or masks called ‘Talismans’ or ‘Totems’. These portraits seem to function as mirrors to the soul, reflecting on our conduct versus modern society and the obligations a person feels confronted with the idealistic world often shown on Social media or the frustrations felt after seeing news worthy stories which all too often focus on sensational elements of war and destruction.
This curated presentation is made possible with the assistance of the Mondriaan Fund, the public fund for visual art and cultural heritage.
