After working together for many years, we are thrilled to present Thijs Jansen’s first solo show at Rutger Brandt Gallery. Titled House, Garden, and Kitchen Paintings (Huis- tuin- en keukenschilderijen), the show draws its name from a Dutch expression for something ‘ordinary’ or ‘unremarkable.’ Jansen’s latest paintings depict everyday objects and scenes from unusual and hyper-focused perspectives, transforming the mundane into something striking.
Jansen’s figurative pieces are surreal and dream-like in their content and form. He approaches his paintings as a kind of diorama or stage—an imaginary space where he manipulates details to evoke a specific mood or atmosphere. His creative process begins with fragments of memories or subconscious experiences, often drawn from public spaces, which he reinterprets into fresh, spatial compositions. Whether it’s a kitchen counter or a grocery store aisle, Jansen’s works are rich with whimsy, illusion, and emotion.
His paintings offer a contemporary take on genre painting, where the theme of everyday life is explored with irony and ambiguity. While his subjects may appear mundane or even provocative, Jansen elevates them in a way that transcends the ordinary. Rather than aiming for a literal depiction, he is more interested in capturing the memory or emotion associated with a scene—what lingers in his consciousness long after the moment has passed. Jansen’s paintings challenge us to see beyond the familiar, offering a refreshing perspective on the overlooked details of daily life.