Verdijk always went his own way as an artist and he took inspiration from the international abstract movements of the 1950s, as well as from Oriental philosophy and encounters during his travels to Africa, Japan and America. As a result the work of Gerard Verdijk is so varied it can hardly be pinned down to one single movement. After moving to the French countryside in 1994, Verdijk’s paintings take a new distinct direction, combining elements from earlier works on paper, universal symbols from ancient cultures and advanced philosophical insights acquired during his previous travels. Signifying a true maturation of Gerard Verdijk’s artistic practice. The philosophical approach to Verdijk’s work deepened, resulting in a stronger connection between the depicted objects and negative space. A duality materialised between concrete objects and the oppositional void that surrounds them; between the shadows and the objects that cast them. The late paintings by Gerard Verdijk show a great restraint in minimalist compositions, yet they are filled with layered and sensuous color fields that fill the voids around those solid objects and shapes.
SmithDavidson Gallery is the official Gallery for the Estate of Gerard Verdijk with access to the full collection.
For more information about the artist and available works please contact the gallery.