Marijke Lambregtse — Contemporary Art Curator Magazine

www.bluethumb.com.au/marijke

Marijke Lambregtse’s art is a revelation of color, emotion, and conceptual depth, placing her among the most intriguing contemporary voices on the international art stage. Her works are more than just paintings; they are visual poems, composed in a unique language that transcends conventional artistic boundaries and delves into the emotional and philosophical nuances of existence. As an artist of Dutch origin now based in Australia, Lambregtse has successfully fused her diverse cultural experiences with a deeply personal environmental and philosophical inquiry, culminating in a body of work that feels both timeless and urgently contemporary.

With a foundation in dance and choreography, Lambregtse brings a rhythmic sensibility to her compositions that speaks to her unique journey in the arts. Her transition from performing arts to visual arts did not dilute her creative spirit; rather, it amplified her voice, allowing her to express through color and form what movement alone could not. Her visual language is one of fluidity and grace, where the gestural freedom of her brushstrokes reflects a dancer’s sensitivity to space and motion. This dynamic approach renders her work distinctly alive, imbuing each piece with a sense of motion and change, as if the canvas itself is breathing.

Lambregtse’s works are known for their striking color palette and layered textures, which seem to pulse with life and emotion. Her use of watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media allows for a harmonious interplay of transparency and opacity, capturing the ambiguity and complexity of human emotion. The vibrancy of her colors and her unconventional forms create a sensory experience that resonates on both an aesthetic and visceral level. Her paintings do not merely depict; they evoke, creating an emotional landscape that invites viewers to confront their inner worlds.

In pieces like "Drifting II" and "Of Sandy Beaches," Lambregtse explores the fragility and resilience of nature, mirroring her eco-anxiety and deep-seated concern for the environment. These works are meditations on the effects of human activity on our planet, reflecting a world teetering on the brink of irrevocable change. Through abstract forms and layers of texture, Lambregtse captures the ephemeral beauty of landscapes that are increasingly under threat, crafting a visual narrative that is as urgent as it is beautiful. Her work urges viewers to reflect on their place within the natural world, to question their roles as both custodians and destroyers, and to find a personal connection to the ecological narrative that defines our era.

Beneath the aesthetic allure of Lambregtse’s work lies a profound philosophical inquiry. Her art is steeped in questions about existence, consciousness, and the interconnectedness of all living things. The human figures in her paintings are often faceless, their identities obscured by fields of color or textured abstraction. This erasure of individuality suggests a universality, a depiction of humanity as an inseparable part of a larger, cosmic whole. Lambregtse’s faceless figures become symbols of the collective human experience, where individuality is dissolved in favor of a shared emotional and existential reality.

This philosophy is perhaps most apparent in "Something About Angels," where human forms take on a spiritual, otherworldly quality. The work reflects Lambregtse’s exploration of resilience and hope, conjuring a world where angels serve as silent witnesses to human struggles and triumphs. Here, Lambregtse bridges the gap between the corporeal and the metaphysical, creating a space that feels both grounded and transcendent. Her abstract figures and ethereal textures speak to the notion of an unseen dimension, a spiritual reality that exists beyond the tangible world. This work, like much of her oeuvre, invites viewers to consider the dualities of life: presence and absence, despair and hope, destruction and creation.

In "Drifting II" and "Drifting III", Marijke Lambregtse’s remarkable ability to transform environmental angst into an arresting visual language is evident. Both works are introspective journeys across uncertain terrains that vibrate with texture, movement, and an evocative palette. These pieces draw viewers into a liminal space where human figures and fragments of nature merge, inviting us to float within Lambregtse's landscape of shifting tides and emotive swells. Her application of watercolor reveals a masterful control over translucency and opacity, where every brushstroke whispers a fragile interdependence between nature and human existence.

Lambregtse, a former dancer, has an eye for rhythm that transcends movement in space and finds resonance on canvas. The physicality once expressed in her choreography is now woven into her paintings, where gestures are preserved as layers of color and texture. This organic dynamism grants “Drifting II” and “Drifting III” a visual pulse, as if each layer of color rises and falls in rhythm with the earth’s tides, mirroring the natural cycles endangered by climate change.

In "Fields of Emotion", Lambregtse deepens her inquiry into the relationship between human experience and the environment. The painting's complex arrangement of fields and abstract forms is reminiscent of the Dutch countryside, an indirect nod to her heritage. But this is not a nostalgic landscape—it’s a somber reflection on the impact of human interference in nature’s delicate balance. Lambregtse’s eco-anxiety manifests in lush, overlapping patterns and an unsettling play of scale, inviting viewers to sense both the beauty and vulnerability of the world she depicts.

“Fields of Emotion” achieves a surrealistic quality that recalls the aesthetic approach of Puvis de Chavannes, where shapes dissolve and reform, resisting fixed interpretations. Faces and figures emerge briefly before sinking back into color fields, underscoring her skill in erasing the boundary between human presence and nature. This interplay serves as a visual metaphor for our interconnectedness with the natural world, blurring where humanity ends and nature begins.

With "Flourish", Lambregtse adopts a brighter, more hopeful palette, though her trademark emotional intensity remains. The painting radiates optimism and resilience, offering a contrast to the subdued tones of her more somber pieces. “Flourish” combines vivid colors and intricate line work, suggesting blooming fields or flourishing coral reefs—both ecosystems at risk due to climate change.

In this work, Lambregtse’s meticulous attention to texture and detail shines. Through the interplay of organic shapes and colors, she creates a sense of growth and renewal that extends beyond the canvas. The brushstrokes carry the weight of her message: despite our ecological footprint, nature persists, blooms, and thrives. Her vibrant acrylics echo this resilience, imbuing the painting with an energy that challenges the viewer to see beauty even in the midst of environmental crisis.

"Le Papillon" stands as an enigmatic and poignant symbol within Lambregtse’s portfolio. The butterfly—a creature synonymous with transformation—hovers as an ethereal presence in this composition. Its dark wings starkly contrast against a muted background, as if to underscore the fragility of beauty in a world shadowed by ecological uncertainty. Lambregtse's brushwork here is delicate, almost reverent, capturing the butterfly's ephemeral beauty and the quiet desperation that accompanies its flight.

In "Le Papillon", Lambregtse revisits themes of metamorphosis and change, as she does throughout her career, merging personal introspection with a global environmental perspective. The butterfly’s presence resonates as both a harbinger of hope and a reminder of the transient nature of life—a statement that aligns with her mission to blend aesthetics and message seamlessly.

Marijke Lambregtse’s journey from professional dancer and choreographer to visual artist is not merely a career change; it is a transformation that has granted her a unique voice in the contemporary art world. Her background in dance informs every stroke, breathing rhythm and grace into her paintings. Lambregtse’s oeuvre reflects a life dedicated to movement, be it physical or emotional, which manifests through the energy and depth in her compositions.

Lambregtse’s abstract figurative style is a powerful addition to the contemporary art scene, bridging the realms of figuration and abstraction with a surrealistic touch that challenges traditional narrative forms. Her work has garnered attention not only in Australia but also internationally, securing her a distinguished place in the art market. Collectors and critics alike are drawn to her emotive palette, her deft handling of recycled materials, and her compelling use of text and texture.

While her works communicate universal themes, Lambregtse’s focus on eco-anxiety resonates strongly in today’s climate-aware art discourse. She brings to the fore an environmental consciousness that doesn’t sacrifice visual appeal for advocacy, instead harmonizing the two. Her artwork speaks to a collective consciousness grappling with the Anthropocene’s challenges, capturing the essence of human responsibility toward the earth.

In "Of Sandy Beaches", Lambregtse delves into memory, blending her personal reflections with broader ecological themes. The piece encapsulates a paradox of tranquility and impending loss, as if recalling a cherished landscape on the brink of vanishing. Her deft handling of textures and the overlay of light blues and sandy hues create a tactile quality that evokes the feeling of warm sand slipping through one’s fingers. It’s as if Lambregtse is asking her viewers to remember and cherish these landscapes before they are irrevocably changed.

This artwork, like many others in her collection, reflects Lambregtse’s sensitivity to the textures and nuances of the natural world. Each brushstroke serves as both a love letter to nature and a subtle warning, reminding us of our collective impact. Through works like “Of Sandy Beaches,” Lambregtse has cemented her place as a sensitive, forward-thinking artist who uses her medium to foster a deepened awareness of the environmental narrative.

"Something About Angels" brings a more introspective side to Lambregtse’s repertoire. This piece, dominated by a muted palette and abstract human forms, seems to be a meditation on resilience and hope in the face of adversity. Lambregtse’s expressive use of watercolor captures an ethereal quality, giving the impression that these “angels” are both guardians and silent witnesses to the world’s unfolding challenges. There’s a humility in this work, a quiet grace that invites viewers to find solace in the unseen forces that surround us.

In “Something About Angels,” Lambregtse’s technique shines. Her brushstrokes are more controlled, yet each line and shade holds a depth of emotion, hinting at a spirituality that transcends organized religion. This painting reflects Lambregtse’s mastery in blending abstraction with sentiment, a skill that distinguishes her within the contemporary art scene.

Marijke Lambregtse’s work is a profound testament to the power of visual art to bridge the personal and the universal. Her art is not only visually captivating but also rich with meaning, urging viewers to contemplate their relationship with nature and their place within an increasingly fragile world. Her background as a dancer has imbued her with a unique sensitivity to movement and space, while her Dutch origins and life in Australia provide a cross-cultural depth to her explorations of landscape and emotion.

In every piece, from "Drifting II" to "Something About Angels", Lambregtse offers a complex, layered vision that resonates with the anxieties of the modern age. Her art is both a reflection of her eco-anxiety and a celebration of the world’s beauty, capturing fleeting moments of grace amidst a backdrop of environmental concern.

As an artist, Marijke Lambregtse has carved out a unique niche in the contemporary art market, one that continues to grow in relevance as the art world grapples with questions of sustainability and ecological responsibility. Her work speaks to the heart, inviting viewers not only to admire but to reflect, making her a vital voice in the ongoing dialogue between art, nature, and humanity.

In Lambregtse’s recent works, her eco-anxiety is distilled into a visual language that speaks powerfully to contemporary environmental issues. Unlike overtly political art, her approach is subtle, poetic, and intensely personal. Rather than illustrating the consequences of climate change in literal terms, she abstracts these themes, allowing viewers to arrive at their own emotional responses. Her philosophy is one of interconnectedness, where humanity and nature are inextricably linked. In this way, Lambregtse’s art is a quiet yet insistent call for reflection and responsibility, a reminder that we are both the stewards and destroyers of our world.

Her use of recycled materials and the layered textures in her works further underscore her commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness. The textures themselves often feel like geological strata, as if each layer represents a different epoch of environmental history, revealing humanity’s long-standing, complex relationship with the earth. In "Winds of Change and Interconnectedness," for example, this textural complexity creates a feeling of movement and interconnectedness, suggesting a landscape shaped by both natural forces and human intervention.

Marijke Lambregtse’s unique fusion of abstract expressionism, eco-philosophy, and emotive color has captured the attention of both collectors and critics, making her a rising star in the contemporary art market. Her work resonates particularly with a generation that is increasingly aware of ecological issues and is drawn to art that speaks to both aesthetic and ethical concerns. As a finalist in numerous art awards and a recipient of the Karl and Gertrude Langer Award, Lambregtse has established herself as a respected figure in Australian art circles and has begun to gain a broader international following.

Collectors are drawn to Lambregtse’s art not only for its beauty but also for its depth and relevance. Each of her pieces feels like a part of a larger narrative—a visual dialogue about humanity’s role in the natural world and the philosophical implications of our existence. Her works are both meditative and evocative, offering layers of meaning that reveal themselves gradually, making them compelling additions to any collection.

Marijke Lambregtse is more than an artist; she is a visionary who channels her life’s experiences—her Dutch heritage, her career in dance, her environmental consciousness—into a body of work that speaks powerfully to the human spirit. Her paintings are immersive worlds where philosophy and emotion converge, inviting viewers to engage with her deeply personal yet universally resonant themes. As a painter, she is fearless, unafraid to confront complex ideas and express difficult emotions, which she does with a grace and sensitivity that is rare in contemporary art.

In Lambregtse’s world, colors are more than just pigments on a canvas; they are emotional states, philosophical questions, and environmental reflections. Her art is an invitation to contemplate, to feel, and to question. She offers no easy answers, no comforting resolutions—only the beauty of ambiguity and the power of introspection. In a world where art often feels disconnected from the pressing issues of our time, Lambregtse stands out as a beacon of integrity and thoughtfulness, a true artist for the Anthropocene.

Marijke Lambregtse’s art reminds us that there is beauty in complexity, that there is power in vulnerability, and that there is hope in understanding our place within the vast tapestry of existence. Her work is a testament to the power of art to inspire reflection, to foster connection, and to illuminate the intricate beauty of a world in flux. As her reputation continues to grow, there is little doubt that Marijke Lambregtse will leave an indelible mark on the art world, not only as a painter of striking talent but as a thinker, a storyteller, and a witness to the delicate balance of life on earth.

By Marta Puig

Editor Contemporary Art Curator Magazine