In anticipation of his upcoming release of large-scale works, Otomys sits down with contemporary Antwerp-based artist, Piet Raemdonck, to talk about his life as an artist and how this impresses itself into his paintings. Having spent most of his life living and working in the heart of Belgium, Piet reflects on the rich influence of his daily life—whether in the bustling city of Antwerp or the quiet countryside of his childhood—and how these environments shape his paintings.
From the balance between abstraction and representation to his unorthodox approach to materials, Piet's work is a testament to his connection to both nature and urban culture. In this in conversation, Raemdonck shares insights into his practice, the significance of geometry and perspective, and the dialogue between his past and present works.
OTOMYS: You have lived and worked solely as an artist in Antwerp, Belgium for most of your life. Tell us about life as an artist and how your daily life impresses itself into your paintings.
OTOMYS: Your series presents a dialogue between abstraction and representation. How do you balance the tension between what is defined and what remains undefined, and what role does this play in the way viewers engage with the paintings?
My earliest art memory, which must have been when I was about three or four, is of my kindergarten teacher drawing a circle in the middle of my own drawing. I can still remember the awe I felt, as I wasn't yet able to draw a circle with that same level of control.
In the painting TULPEN, there’s a clear interplay between representation and abstraction. The title—“tulips”—is undeniably representational, yet the bright flowers are subtly toned down. Instead, abstract shapes with much stronger contrast than the flowers themselves take on a prominent role in the painting. A geometric, often triangular play runs throughout, stepping to the forefront.
OTOMYS: In some paintings you work on a rougher canvas without traditional white gesso and oil paint with oil crayon. What is the significance of this material choice, and how does it influence the experience of the painting?
OTOMYS: With experience in film directing, do you see a direct correlation between film and the way you approach painting, particularly in terms of composition and storytelling?
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More from Piet Raemdonck
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In conversation with Piet Raemdonck
OTOMYS: Piet, Congratulations on this new body of work! We know that you have a strong connection to nature and the land. What has been your inspiration for this series... -
Piet Raemdonck's Art Residency - The Hamptons, NY
Following his residency in the Hamptons with the FoAIR Artist In Residency Program, we sat down with the Belgian visual artist, Piet Raemdonck to discuss the extraordinary landscapes he produced... -
Piet Raemdonck: Exploring Light, Geometry, and Observation in 'Bij Dachlig'
Living and working in Belgium, Piet Raemdonck's contemporary oil paintings focus on the still life, the landscape and the interior, whilst also exploring the relationship between the naïve and the... -
A Conversation Between Laura Vahlberg and Piet Raemdonck
Laura Vahlberg recently sat down with Piet Raemdonck to discuss his current solo exhibition at Otomys, entitled Bij Daglicht . The two Otomys artists share a passion for light and...
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