For over 55 years, I have been a collector of art, witnessing my personal evolution from figurative to abstract.
Gradually, I have come to appreciate full abstraction and have recently encountered the work of Rik van Hazendonk. He perfectly encapsulates what draws me to modern art – form, color, seriality, and spontaneity.
All of these elements can be found in Rik’s artwork. My first attempt to acquire his work was through an auction, but unfortunately, the piece was outbid. Six months ago, I decided to reach out to Rik for the first time to learn more about this artist and physically experience his work from different decades.
On the 14th of June we made an appointment to visit his studio
In the heart of Delft, Rik has created a truly stunning atelier filled with light. It is located on the floor below his family’s home and features a glass floor, providing a direct view into his workspace.
For the occasion, several pieces from different periods were hung and displayed for me. My attention was immediately drawn to a table holding his series of MONOCHROMES. They were stacked jute pieces, all cut to the same size (approx. 50 x 40 cm). More than 350 monochromatic pieces stacked together, forming a sort of diary of the artist.
Whenever Rik uses a color he painted a prepared piece of canvas , dried the painting and stacked it.(In this specific case, it covers a period of over 11 years). The colored surface is not visible, only the edges of the canvas, creating a colorful block that together forms the painter’s diary.
This seriality can be found in other works by Van Hazendonk as well. Larger canvases are painted in a single color, then folded or rolled and displayed together as one artwork.
The diary principle also applies to the MOLESKINE pieces, in which he meticulously paints the right page with 5 brushstrokes in the same spot and with the same brush size. The painting shows on the original page and because the paint leaks through the paper, the left page also shows an impression of the original brush strokes. This systematic approach has been maintained across dozens of MOLESKINES, making each one a small journal of the painter.
I find the work of Rik van Hazendonk so captivating that I have made the decision to add it to our collection. Both the artist and his work are so endearing that it is likely this will not be our only purchase. To give a glimpse into what’s to come…
The Moleskine. Soon to be a part of our collection.
Soon, I will continue this blog about Rik van Hazendonk, but for those that want an introduction to the artist, do not hesitate to contact me at wilfriedvandenelshout@gmail.com
