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Jeannette ten Kate , Kunstadviseur The Art Connector
Capturing the zeitgeist in 8 artworks
Anyone familiar with the contemporary art world knows Jeannette ten Kate. At any major art fair, you will see her in action with a group of dedicated followers. Relying on her knowledge and experience, there is a good chance that she’ll succeed in motivating one of them to purchase an artwork, as the confluence of art and commerce is were Jeannette's talent and passion come into full play. She studied art history, did an internship at Sotheby's, worked at her then-husband Jan Pieter Glerum’s auction house for eleven years and subsequently started her own business guiding art buyers and lovers through the art market. In addition to being an art advisor to individuals and companies, Jeannette is the owner of The Art Connector and director of The Arts Club and The International Arts Club.
Good art challenges one and inspires reflection. For me, this doesn't have to be just the actual artwork, but it also includes the creative process preceding it. A surprising answer to the zeitgeist can be an important part of this. But we can also turn this logic around. Depending on the times we live in, artworks can acquire a different meaning for the viewer. So the meaning does not always have to be unambiguous. It is special - especially in this bizarre period - to see which artworks best reflect the current zeitgeist for you.
Here are the works I have selected.
Good art challenges one and inspires reflection. For me, this doesn't have to be just the actual artwork, but it also includes the creative process preceding it. A surprising answer to the zeitgeist can be an important part of this. But we can also turn this logic around. Depending on the times we live in, artworks can acquire a different meaning for the viewer. So the meaning does not always have to be unambiguous. It is special - especially in this bizarre period - to see which artworks best reflect the current zeitgeist for you.
Here are the works I have selected.
8 Media items ᛫ 10 Available artworks
6 Shows ᛫ 1 Highlights ᛫ 2 Recommendations
The use of the internet, social media and all electronic devices to keep communicating and keeping in touch with the outside world is currently more essential than ever. Apart from that, we already saw an increasing use of artificial and augmented intelligence in the art world. But the internet itself is now also used as a medium. Or better yet: a combination of the two.
Rafaël Rozendaal’s (1980) artworks are based on algorithms. They run forever, which is a big difference with, for example, a video work. In addition, Rozendaal's work is shown on a website, which functions as a canvas. In his case, you actually buy the ownership (domain) of the website hosting a unique work of art, which is accessible to everyone all over the world. As an owner, you’ll be able reach many more viewers than would ever be possible for a physical museum. So apart from the use of new digital techniques, this subcomponent has become at least as important. This brings everything together quite brilliantly in a unique work.
Rafaël Rozendaal’s (1980) artworks are based on algorithms. They run forever, which is a big difference with, for example, a video work. In addition, Rozendaal's work is shown on a website, which functions as a canvas. In his case, you actually buy the ownership (domain) of the website hosting a unique work of art, which is accessible to everyone all over the world. As an owner, you’ll be able reach many more viewers than would ever be possible for a physical museum. So apart from the use of new digital techniques, this subcomponent has become at least as important. This brings everything together quite brilliantly in a unique work.
2 Media items ᛫ 0 Available artworks
1 Shows ᛫ 0 Highlights ᛫ 0 Recommendations
In this time of mandatory social distancing, we are facing something that we previously struggled with: slowing down. Maaike Schoorel (1973) only gives away a minimal part of the representation in her paintings. They are picture puzzles, where the work only reveals itself when you take the time to really look at it and investigate it. Looking at art and its essential perception is truly satisfying, is the conclusion of a scientific study by Dick Swaab, outlined in "Our creative brain" (2016). Another study conducted by The Art Institute of Chicago in 2016 also found that museum visitors don't stand in front of a work of art for any longer than an average of 28.6 seconds. Understanding Schoorel's paintings takes more time, but is amply rewarded.
0 Media items ᛫ 4 Available artworks
6 Shows ᛫ 0 Highlights ᛫ 0 Recommendations
Also, when you walk outside you can notice little things: the glare of the sun on the water, the bluish light of the early morning, the shadow of the people around you, the movement of the leaves in a tree. Evi Vingerling (1979) records these sources of inspiration, holding on them to in her mind. Once she’s in her studio, she immediately applies them to a canvas in one go. Using quick-drying paint, there is no time or space to redo something. This results in clear flowing shapes, exactly reflecting Evi’s impressions, which are generally not easy to capture.
0 Media items ᛫ 36 Available artworks
8 Shows ᛫ 0 Highlights ᛫ 0 Recommendations
In times of adversity, the survival mechanism in man also emerges. The creative solutions to get through this period as well as possible are endless. And that has always been the case. Sanlé Sory (1943) lives in Burkina Faso and started his career as a photographer in 1960 when the then Upper Volta became independent from France. In an effort to hearten the population, he started the Volta Photo Studio, where young people could have picture taken. Fashionable clothes were present, trendy sunglasses, hats and chains. You could choose a setting where, for a moment, you could imagine yourself being in another world; an unreachable world of glamour and wealth. By means of decor backgrounds of, for example, an airport, metropolis or beach and props such as a telephone or un umbrella, the photos show a surreal image that reflects the spirit of the times in an artificial environment.
Johan Tahon
7 Media items ᛫ 0 Available artworks
0 Shows ᛫ 0 Highlights ᛫ 1 Recommendations
The current period also demands reflection. We live in a moment to reflect on such issues as who we are, where we are at and how this came about. Human vulnerability is clearly reflected in the images by Johan Tahon (1965). His subject is always human, without gender playing a role. As he describes it himself:
"My sculptures reflect on the world, but also on their own being."
4 Media items ᛫ 25 Available artworks
10 Shows ᛫ 2 Highlights ᛫ 1 Recommendations
And then there is the artist who comments and questions current times in his own creative way. We know Berend Strik (1960) mainly from his stitched photos. By adding threads and patches, he makes the representation in the photo his own. His drawings are less known. He makes powerful statements in A4 format in coloured pencil and chalk. A kind of contemporary aphorism in text and image. But they can be explained in many ways, as the artist's underlying idea is not forced on you. These drawings challenge you, are sometimes cynical, but are also happy because of the ever-present dose of humour.