Henk Helmantel: A Contemporary Old Master
Exhibiting for the very first time in Switzerland, celebrated Dutch artist Henk Helmantel will be showcasing a series of exquisitely executed still lifes, intimate table scenes and interior scenes of medieval churches and monasteries
Whilst the works feel familiar due to their traditional inspirations, they are also surprisingly modern; dynamic brushstrokes and unusual compositions lend a level of intensity and modernity. Helmantel is praised for his stunning technique and his ability to create a dialogue between subject and light.
AV Modern & Contemporary is pleased to announce Henk Helmantel: A Contemporary Old Master. The exhibition will open on Thursday, October 16th 2015, and will continue through February 27th, 2016.
Exhibiting for the very first time in Switzerland, celebrated Dutch artist Henk Helmantel will be showcasing a series of exquisitely executed: still lifes, intimate table scenes and interior scenes of medieval churches and monasteries.
Part of AV Modern & Contemporary programme to introduce lesser-known contemporary artists to the city, the exhibition will shed light on the development of the artist's career showing very early paintings from 1969 up until today.
Christianity is central to Helmantel’s daily life and work. He focuses primarily on Romanesque and Early Gothic architecture from Western Europe, citing Rembrandt as a main source of inspiration. Bringing a flavour of Dutch tradition to Geneva, the painter shows proficiency and skill comparable to 17th Century Dutch masters.
Whilst the works feel familiar due to their traditional inspirations, they are also surprisingly modern; dynamic brushstrokes and unusual compositions lend a level of intensity and modernity. Helmantel is praised for his stunning technique and his ability to create a dialogue between subject and light, and – unusually for a contemporary artist today - Helmantel’s openly deep Christian convictions are reflected in this use of light, achieving a still, motionless aura around his seemingly subliminal subjects.
The approach to his paintings, the composition, is abstract he says and considers his work as conceptual as it is created based on a concept. It is classical in its light, form and colours, yet his approach is based on an abstract idea, typical for the 20th Century.
Helmantels work represents an interesting counterpoint to the mainstream tendencies of current art production. Dedicated to the grand Dutch tradition of subjects such as the Still Life, the spirituality in his works may confront and bring up the question about what is contemporary in contemporary art.
To highlight Helmantels sources of inspiration the gallery will present a selection of works of Dutch Old Master paintings from Jacques de Claeuw, Jacob Foppens van Es, Hans van Sant, Willem Claesz Heda and Hubert van Ravesteyn.
With his unique combination of modern and traditional techniques, he received much attention last year at TEFAF Maastricht, and Helmantel’s debut exhibition in Switzerland at AV Modern & Contemporary is sure to engage viewers and collectors alike.
