Volkert Olij

Works

Volkert Olij’s paintings vibrate with stillness. The carefully chosen objects are placed in composition in such way that together they almost become one larger shape. It creates an internal tension on one hand and silence on the other. A silence that makes the works immensely contemplative. By keeping the composition relatively sparse, never adding too much to it, the objects are given breathing space which emphasises their beauty, even when the object is an oil can or a battered enamel bowl.

Single bowls
Since some years Olij has brought back his compositions to an even bigger simplicity: instead of highly concentrated compositions with a few objects, his paintings now often show only one single object, enlarged to a ‘larger than life’ format. In these works ‘still life’ is paired down to the very essential.

Abstract
Although Olij’s objects are intrinsically recognisable, they are also chosen for their abstract qualities. Their geometric essence divides the space, creating a figurative abstraction. It will probably only take one step or two before his works turn into completely abstract works.