Robert van de Graaf

Robert van de Graaf (1983, The Netherlands) is a Dutch visual artist living and working in The Hague, The Netherlands. He received a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Architecture (Technical University Delft) in 2009. Since 2011 he dedicated his life on the visual arts. 

In his work Van de Graaf is questioning human destiny and how we can move further and grow as human beings on a spiritual level. His artworks accomplish his ongoing journey to seek meaning in life.

Could you please introduce yourself and tell us how you started in the arts? and your first experience in art making?

Hi, I am a painter and I make drawings. Maybe some sculptures in future as well. For me creating art is fuel for my soul. Just love working in my studio. 

I started to develop myself as a visual artist when I was 13 years old. As I was always drawing and creating from a very early age my grandmother gave me some private professional painting lessons as a Christmas present (best present ever). That turned out in an intense painting and drawing education. I was working on my paintings in the studio of my teacher and had my first exhibition in 2001.

How would you describe yourself and your artwork?

I am a dreamer who likes to work, create and to make my dreams reality. In my work I can express myself, being able to put everything I want on the canvas. I like to philosophize about life and our world and transform that inspiration into art.

Basically my work is my ongoing journey to seek meaning in life. On this journey I explore the connection between the mystic of this world, with all its elements and the sense and the dimension of the spiritual world.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

My inspiration is coming from myths, mystical places or stories (both from history and present days) and the philosophy of life. Sometimes I let this external inspiration interfere with my own experiences and things I learn in life.

What emotions do you hope the viewers experience when looking at your art?

My wish is to provide ‘food’ for the soul with my artworks, for both the viewers as myself. I try my artworks to provide a (re)discovery for myself and the viewer and to encourage deepening. This is my reaction on the superficiality of modern society and the lack of ‘soul food’ for younger generations.

When do you know that an artwork is finished ?

Well I think that’s quite a difficult process. For me it is a very delicate moment and I feel it in my gut. But sometimes I do not recognize the moment and then I think what have I done..  And it is a different moment for every painting, that’s what makes it so difficult. Sometimes you see and feel it very clearly, that’s always a great moment.

What has been the most exciting moment in your art career so far?

First of all just being able to work as an artist. My new studio which I moved to in mid 2017. And my big exhibition (15 January - 15 March) in Europol Headquarters (The Hague, The Netherlands) in the beginning of 2019. The exhibition was beautiful and a big success.

How long does it take to produce one work?

It depends, some works take more time than others. Some take weeks, some months to finish. I like to work in series and move from one painting to another. Sometimes it is really important to leave the painting for a while before being able to finish the work.

What exciting projects are you working on right now?

At the moment I am working on my new series ‘Silence and The City’ which contain 17 oil paintings and 10 drawings. The series is partly inspired by New York City, the contrast of busy city life and contemplation, the connection of the spiritual world with the everyday and how crossroads in life determine directions in life. The paintings have a lot of energy, vibrance, silence, movement and color. New York City is one of my favorite cities and I always wanted to do a series where the city plays an important role. I lived in New York city for one year doing two internships in Architecture and I painted in my Harlem studio, so I have a special connection to the city.

Do you have any upcoming events or exhibitions we should know about?

All events in the next few months are private exhibitions for several collectors in my studio.

At the moment I am in the process of applying for two art fairs in 2020 and I am in the process to find a suitable new gallery to represent my artworks.

Email: info@robertvandegraaf.com

Website: www.robertvandegraaf.com

Instagram: @robertvandegraaf