'Classics' is the fifth exhibition by Johan De Wit (°1960) in the gallery. The title and the works in the exhibition refer to classics in art history from Antiquity to the present day. The works evoke traditional themes such as landscapes, still lifes and genre pieces. They also play on conventional philosophical-religious themes: the futility and fragility of human existence, the ephemeral, futile, and ludicrous of power and boast, the pleasure and transience of earthly pleasures.
The works are made in paper, reinforced with resins and enriched with iron powders and pigments. The artist's technical mastery amazes, but is subservient and does not want to overwhelm us. Most of the works simultaneously do and do not seem to refer to something in reality, which confuses the viewer. There is melancholy and heaviness in the air, but also humour, comfort and care. De Wit leaves the thinking open, and exposes the feeling. His work affects us.