Artist : Walter Van Oel
Genre : Painting
Period : December 27 till February 27, 2004
Everyday, 9.00AM – 9.00PM
Location : Alila Gallery Ubud
Desa Melinggih Kelod
Payangan, Gianyar
Tel: 975963
It is perhaps ironic that this exhibition should open through the Christmas season, for on first impression, when entering the gallery, we are confronted by what appears to be so many large twinkling paintings of boxed and wrapped Christmas presents. But this is not a facetious allegory or ‘cheap shot’ at the artist, for these paintings are intended as presents. They are gifts from the artist to guide and instruct us along the path of enlightenment, through the harnessing of spiritual cosmic energy, and thus to a better and closer relationship with our own personal godhead, no matter what form this may take.
As late 20th century art plowed its way through Minimalism, Conceptualism and Post Modern Semiotic Deconstruction it was not surprising that many critics forecasted the ‘death’ of art, rationalizing that there was little further to say or explore in contemporary art. Nor is it surprising that these same critics prophesized an unavoidable return to spirituality in 21st century Western Art. At the forefront of this latest international artistic trend we find the eminent Dutch painter Walter Van Oel, who now resides part-time in Bali, and where he has found a haven wherein the notion of ‘spiritual cosmic energy’ is still an accepted form of reality. “If you are connected to the gods” Van Oel states, “they give you your talent. To be a fully fledged artist one has to harness energy, to be a channel for cosmic forces issuing from both within and beyond the self”. Van Oel’s advocacy of such a modern spirituality permeates the form and content of all his works. They are ultimately a prayer to, and an expression of, the energetic forces of the world.
Drawing heavily on minimal and tonal color concepts, many of the larger paintings on display consist of crushed aluminium foil that is painted over in mono or multi-chromatic bright colors. These paintings absorb the light and radiate it out as a conduit to cosmic forces. Through the use of polyester resins, smaller paintings have on their bases of silver or gold metallic paint raised symbols or pictograms that are reminiscent of Chinese calligraphy. But these are symbols we don’t immediately recognize, rather they draw on the ‘collective unconscious’ and subliminally propel us to consider concepts of time and space and the unfathomable.
To stand before the large painting ‘Eternity’ (190 x 190 cm) is to be bathed in an iridescent blue light. The crushed aluminium foil is crinkled across the canvas, creating deep shadows and startling bright highlights. Light is captured and drawn by the foil deep into the soul of the painting. The aluminium foil is painted in various shades of blue; navy through cerulean and on into powder and baby blue. Layer upon layer of splashes and smears of blue paint are applied. When the light captured in the canvas glows out, it does so through this amalgamation of blue paint. The color can only be described as ‘electric’. The sensation of standing before this painting can only be described as sublime. The viewer is caught in a sensation of peace and tranquility. Thoughts are directed to the “Beyond”, to the “Big Hole of Total Energy”. “God and the Void!” This is elegant painting of supreme power and presence. These paintings are much more than ‘Spiritual Jewels’, they are Spiritual Treasures that are to be cherished and revered.
Many of Walter Van Oel’s paintings in this collection are far too large to be exhibited in the Alila Gallery Ubud space; thus a concurrent exhibition has been arranged at the Arma Museum. A visit to either venue will be a rewarding experience. Both exhibitions are highly recommended.
