Eelco Maan

Eelco Maan's artistic journey unfolds like a rich tapestry woven from the threads of various artistic movements and historical moments. His compositions, akin to musical arrangements, orchestrate a symphony of colours that dance across the canvas with the grace of a prima ballerina assoluta. Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of sources, Maan's work seamlessly blends strong contrasts with delicate harmonies, creating a captivating world that transcends the boundaries of rationality.

Embarking on his artistic odyssey in 1994, Maan initially navigated the realms of figurative, Fauvist, and surrealistic styles, under the tutelage of modernist masters such as Klee, Miró, and the CoBrA movement. However, as his journey progressed, he embarked on a transformative exploration, gradually embracing a more austere and abstract aesthetic. This evolution was not merely a departure from previous influences but a synthesis of disparate elements, incorporating the intricate craquelure found in early medieval art, which imbued his work with a sense of texture and depth reminiscent of ancient manuscripts.

In his pursuit of abstraction, Maan drew inspiration from the explosive energy of Jackson Pollock's expressive eruptions, seeking to capture the raw vitality and emotional intensity inherent in each brushstroke. Yet, amidst the chaos of abstraction, traces of recognizable imagery emerge, evoking scenes of sunlight dancing on water, clouds swirling in the sky, and the vibrant hues of autumn foliage. This duality between abstraction and representation adds layers of depth and complexity to his work, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in a realm where reality and imagination intertwine.

Furthermore, Maan's artistic lineage can be traced through the lineage of art history, with echoes of the obstinate color abstractions pioneered by artists such as Eugène Brands and Willem de Kooning reverberating throughout his oeuvre. While his work pays homage to the traditions of lyrical abstraction, it also possesses a distinct mystical quality, infusing each piece with an enigmatic allure that captivates the imagination.

Since 1995, Maan's paintings have been showcased in galleries and art fairs across the globe, from the Netherlands and the UK to France, Belgium, and Japan. His work has found resonance with collectors worldwide, who are drawn to the authenticity and compelling character that radiates from each canvas. Through his art, Eelco Maan invites us to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery, where words are rendered superfluous, and the language of colour speaks volumes.