Robert van de Graaf — Contemporary Art Curator Magazine

Biography

Robert van de Graaf (1983) is a Dutch visual artist living and working in The Hague, The Netherlands. He concentrated on developing himself as a visual artist from 13 years old. Van de Graaf followed an intense private painting and drawing training from 1996 to 2001 (until his 18th) with the Dutch artist Erica Meyster (1949 - 2006).
Van de Graaf received a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Architecture (Technical University Delft) in 2009. In 2005 and 2006, he worked as an intern in architecture in New York City. At Steven Learner Studio (founder of ‘Collective Design Fair’) he worked on art-related projects as the ‘Haunch of Venison’ gallery (Rockefeller Center) and ‘The Granary’ (private gallery for the Bucksbaum family), Connecticut, U.S. At the same time he had his studio in West Harlem, New York, where he worked on his oil paintings.
Van de Graaf stopped working as an architect in 2011 to devote himself entirely to his career as a visual artist. He has since produced several theme-based series of artworks, especially oil paintings. Art collectors from the U.S., The Netherlands and France have purchased his paintings, drawings and watercolors.

Artist Statement

Robert van de Graaf (1983, The Netherlands) is interested in the connection between the mystical in this world, in all its manifestations, and the sense and the dimension of the spiritual world.
Van de Graaf draws his inspiration from myths, mystical places or stories (both from history and present times) and the philosophy of life. He wishes his artworks to provide ‘food’ for the soul, both for himself and the viewer. His artworks give substance to his ongoing journey to seek meaning in life.
He transforms the inspiration he draws from these themes into contemporary (symbolic) interpretations while referring to paintings of the old masters such as El Greco’s ‘The Vision of Saint John’ (1608-1614). The paintings move between figuration and abstraction, giving the viewer certain freedom of interpretation. At the same time the intensity of the paintings act like a gaze back at the viewer, a reflection of thoughts, crossing the line from observation to introspection and self-examination.
The moment he started to work with oil paint he fell in love with the medium and this continues to grow ever since. Van de Graaf experiences the process of creating as inner battles, freedom and faith.

Website www.robertvandegraaf.com

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/robertvandegraaf/?hl=nl