Matijs vd Kerkhof, born in 1977, hails from a realm where recognition and figuration are the cornerstones of his artistry. With an unwavering commitment to infusing his work with a sense of the enigmatic, Matijs transports us to a “twilight world,” where imagination reigns supreme and reality blurs into the surreal.
Matijs’s creative process begins with a close examination of his immediate surroundings. He takes inspiration from everyday scenes, often using existing photographs as references. Yet, this is only the initial spark of his artistic journey. What follows is a captivating transformation, as he delves into the realm of paint or felt-tip pen, bringing his unique vision to life. It is here that the magic happens, where Matijs’s imagination takes the reins and guides the creation of his art.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Matijs’s work is the atmosphere he conjures in his pieces. It’s a place not easily defined, a realm that oscillates between desolate, enigmatic, and absurd. This unique aura he crafts has earned the name “the twilight world” from the artist himself. It’s a place where he doesn’t merely capture what is, but rather explores the boundless possibilities of what could be if one allows their imagination to run wild.
Matijs employs a wide array of visual elements to weave a rich tapestry of emotions and sensations into his work. Dark backgrounds serve as the stage upon which his figures emerge, seemingly out of nowhere. The clever use of image cut-offs and variation in perspective creates a sense of bewilderment, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the narrative of each piece.
Matijs has the ability to convey isolation and interaction simultaneously. His figures often stand solitary, yet their movements and hand gestures suggest an underlying, unspoken connection. This intricate balance between isolation and interaction adds depth to his work, provoking thought and contemplation in those who gaze upon it. Matijs’s artistic process isn’t guided by a rigid formula; instead, it’s a deeply intuitive journey where he selects the perfect forms to ensure that the story remains a far cry from a straightforward representation of his imagination.
One of his works, “Anamorphosis anatomia aenigmatis,” exemplifies the depth and complexity present in Matijs’s art. In this piece, he grapples with the burgeoning world of AI art, contemplating its shortcomings and its visually pleasing qualities. His fascination with the AI’s rise is evident, but rather than surrendering to the allure of technology, he takes a step back to reflect.
In an age of visual overload, Matijs takes a conscious decision to slow down the narrative of his images. He does so using traditional techniques and classic themes, which, interestingly, serve as a canvas for an AI-inspired language. It’s a dance of tradition and innovation, a fusion of the past and the future, which he weaves seamlessly into his art.
Matijs’s work invites viewers to think deeply about the intersection of art and technology. He doesn’t reject the power of AI in art, but he challenges it to delve deeper, to capture the essence of the human experience beyond the algorithms and data. His art embodies the tension between the limitless potential of AI and the irreplaceable touch of human creativity.
In a world where the rapid advancement of technology often overshadows the human soul, Matijs’s work acts as a poignant reminder. It urges us to reconnect with our mythology, our timeless narratives, and our shared humanity. It’s a journey that may be visually slower, but it’s an essential pilgrimage that ensures our stories, our essence, and our enigmatic human experience endure in the age of AI.
In the spartan and conversational tone that defines Matijs’s art, he invites us to question, reflect, and rediscover the beauty of the human touch in a world increasingly dominated by machines. His work is a visual testament to the power of imagination and the enduring relevance of classical themes in the ever-evolving landscape of art.
