In Good Shape is a unique proposal highlighting the work of two abstract contemporary painters: Marta Martynova (b. 2000, Russia) and Stan Van Steendam (b. 1986, Belgium). The first one is approaching a light and dynamic lyricism while the second one is challenging the new sculptural language of geometry. Both of them are making the bridge between the Modern era of abstract painting and the nowadays trends.
While the practice of Marta Martynova embraces the legacy of Helen Frankenthaler, Joan Mitchell or Lee Krasner, Stan Van Steendam work could be assimilated to Frank Stella, Sean Scully or the pastel palette of Tom McGlynn. The intention behind In Good Shapes is to offer the audience a fresh and brand-new approach of abstract painting and presenting two artists shaping the future trends of the abstract movement: through patter driven movements or geometry. The intention is reinforced by a strong will to highlight the interplay of architecture and abstract art by occupying the two spaces of gallery and by experimenting format and movement through different topologies.
For this exhibition, the two artists both decided to with a robust body of work introducing their regular practice and signature art works.
Martynova, freshly graduated in art-direction, art and graphic design is also highly interested in architecture and this multiple-layers background is a boundless source of inspiration for her. She allies her skills to compose and play with her format while giving a very important space to movement. In her creative work, Marta Martynova reflects on the heritage of abstractionism, investigates how color and form affect feelings and emotions, and dedicates special attention to the aesthetics of impossible forms and the beauty of nature. The movement is a mix between organic lines and lively gestures.
Van Steendam’s paintings pulse with a compelling present, immediately engaging the viewer’s senses. Yet, their vibrant surfaces conceal layers of pigment and plaster, revealing the history of the artist’s process. This tangible quality fosters an unexpected intimacy, contrasting with the works’ enigmatic, non-narrative nature, which sometimes evokes mystical or portal-like sensations through their architectural bands of resonant color. While abstract, these works are deeply rooted in real places: the stark beauty of Marfa’s skies and the enduring vibrancy of ancient Egyptian palettes subtly inform his hues. From these travels, and his Lisbon studio bathed in sunlight, Van Steendam charts the ephemeral nature of light, giving it physical form: fundamental and emotional power of pure color and light, stripped of overt symbolism. (VVB)
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In Good Shape is a unique proposal highlighting the work of two abstract contemporary painters: Marta Martynova (b. 2000, Russia) and Stan Van Steendam (b. 1986, Belgium). The first one is approaching a light and dynamic lyricism while the second one is challenging the new sculptural language of geometry. Both of them are making the bridge between the Modern era of abstract painting and the nowadays trends.
While the practice of Marta Martynova embraces the legacy of Helen Frankenthaler, Joan Mitchell or Lee Krasner, Stan Van Steendam work could be assimilated to Frank Stella, Sean Scully or the pastel palette of Tom McGlynn. The intention behind In Good Shapes is to offer the audience a fresh and brand-new approach of abstract painting and presenting two...
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