11 january 2024, Yves Joris
Within the Invisible: the Scottish symphony of Stefan Annerel
Stefan Annerel is a regular at Art Gallery De Wael 15. This time, he has brought with him work based on tartan, the checkered woollen fabric used to make Scottish kilts, for Within the Invisible, an exhibition that transports you to the Scottish highlands and lakes, but in vivid colours instead of the usual grey and sombre rain landscapes.
The exhibition reveals a harmonious interplay of colour, form and concept in which Annerel's brushstrokes and artistic choices explore the boundaries between the visible and invisible. The materials used, ranging from wood and glass to paper, fabric, acrylic, epoxy and paint, create a dynamic interaction between contrasts in his compositions. His work exudes a sense of liveliness, with colours and forms dancing in harmony while simultaneously probing the boundaries of conflict.
Stefan Annerel, CLERGY, 2024, Art Gallery De Wael 15
An invitation to contemplation and exploration
The title Within the Invisible also invites contemplation. It suggests a journey into the inner, into that which remains hidden from the eye. Annerel seems to be guiding the viewer through a richness of meanings that are not immediately apparent but felt, tangible in the ethereal nature of his art. Observation of his paintings often begins at a respectful distance, a contemplation of image and space, but soon encourages a more intimate inspection.
A key element of the exhibition for me is Annerel's personal fascination with subtle shifts of colour along the border of two colour planes. Sometimes, colours blend into each other, while other at times, you feel the tension when, for example in a particular work, green refuses to yield to red. His art bridges the visible and invisible, translating human emotions into images. His work is not only meant to be looked at but also to be felt, understood and internalised on a personal level.
Annerel's use of layers and textures creates a depth that invites the viewer to look beyond the surface and discover hidden stories. Using various materials, he creates a dynamic play of contrasts in his compositions. It is a visual symphony that challenges the viewer to find meaning in apparent chaos.
Stefan Annerel, BRENTON, 2024, Art Gallery De Wael 15
A journey through the magic of the invisible
Within the Invisible is therefore more than just an exhibition title. It is also an invitation to introspection. Annerel's work requires effort, as it urges exploration beyond the visible aspects of everyday life. It demands that time be made in a hectic existence to discover and appreciate the invisible layers of human existence. It is a journey through the magic of the hidden, where art and mystery converge in a unique symbiosis.
Each work, big and small, invites a discovery of its composition in abstract forms and vibrant colours. They melt into scores before the eyes, with colours becoming sounds, suggesting that art is not only meant to be looked at but also to be felt, understood and internalised on a personal level.
Stefan Annerel, LINDSAY, 2024, Art Gallery De Wael 15
The silence of the Scottish Highlands in the southside of Antwerp
Take your time, immerse yourself and discover the versatility of an artist who continuously pushes the boundaries of his own imagination. The exhibition is an invitation to explore the unknown, to fathom the depth of art and the human experience. The expo offers a unique experience in which colours are not only visual but also tangible, a symphony that stimulates the senses and nourishes the imagination.
In essence, Within the Invisible is a journey, not only through the artworks of Stefan Annerel, but also through the invisible layers of our own understanding and perception. It is an invitation to engage in an intimate dialogue with the hidden, a conversation that takes place in the silence between brushstrokes and colour nuances where the artist and the viewer embark on a joint voyage of discovery into the unknown.
