The work of Maaike Schoorel appeals to the visual abilities of the viewer. A closer look reveals that the seemingly monochromatic surface is composed of painted layers: creamy or ethereal, white or intensely black. With extended observation, one can discern forms, figures, or even a representation.
At first glance, Maaike Schoorel’s canvases seem nearly empty. One can spot subtle brushstrokes, soft color nuances, a glimmer here and there. In search of footholds, the eyes begin to scan over the canvas. Only after a longer period of time does a representation reveal itself: a still life with a bottle of Spa Blue, a picnic party dressed in casual clothing, a beach scene, or a landscape.
Maaike Schoorel’s subjects are often rooted in classic painting genres, yet possess a distinct contemporary character. She uses homemade snapshots, photos from her own family albums, or stored memories and dreams as a starting point. Painted sparingly, the representations create an interval between seeing and understanding, in which the viewer’s imagination is stimulated.
In a visual culture dictated by an excess of rapidly changing stimuli, Maaike Schoorel’s paintings hold a unique place. Seemingly empty, the canvases force one to slow down and require a conscious observation from the viewer. Just as silence can be deafening, the works demand the utmost concentration from the eye.
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