ROBBE BAARTMANS
Courtesy of Isa de Jong
Robbe Baartmans
(1993, NL)
Is a visual artist whose work explores the tension between found imagery and intuitive abstraction. Using black-and-white photographs recoverd from estate clearences (often anonymous snapshots from the 1930's to 1950"s) Baartmans extracts visual fragments and reworks them into layered, colorful compositions.
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His Process begins with a monochrome depiction of the selected image. From there, color and gesture take over.
The original context fades as he intuitively constructs new layers, treating each painting as an autonomous object free from biographical or historical explanation.
Aesthetic impact and visual rhythm guide the work.
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Originally rooted in the graffiti and street art scene, Baartmans developed a highly personal visual language grounded in self-imposed standards of form and discipline. Over the years, his practice has shifted towards the contemporary art field, with a growing focus on material presence and intuitive mark-making using found archival imagery as a silent framework for new, emotionally driven visual compositions.
2019
Book release
Robbe was secretary for The Loods Roosendaal foundation for 5 years. More or less to close these years, robbe has worked as an author on the book "5th anniversary The Loods" which was made in collaboration with all visitors and administrators of The Loods, the municipality of Roosendaal and Cultuur Compaan.
2021
Solo Exhibition
Robbe's debut Solo show -FUSION- held at Benjamin Scheltema's Gallery.
In Roosendaal NL. From 01-10-21 / 31-10-21
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2022
Ik zie, Ik zie
Interactive art project held at Museum Tongerlohuys in Roosendaal.
Together with artists: Maartje van der Kruijs, Sarah Linde, Benjamin Scheltema, Bop Bakker, Lia Reijnders, Diana Walravens
2022
Purchased by the municipality of Steenbergen
Painting "The Municipality" purchased and added to the art collection of the municipality of Steenbergen,NL.
2023 (ongoing)
Solo Exhibition Antwerp
Every year a special selection of new paintings will be on display at Cremerie Germaine in Antwerpen,BE. From 26-05-23 / ongoing