Gerritsen’s artistic focus primarily revolves around human figures, each captured with a plethora of emotions conveyed through their expressions and posture. Each subject appears to be embroiled in some captivating narrative. His paintings often invoke a sense of discomfort upon closer inspection, as they challenge and question our societal norms.
The characters portrayed in Gerritsen’s works often belong to the outskirts of society; from criminals to vulnerable individuals such as traumatized children, harassed women, and psychiatric patients. Secluded from the rest of the world, they hold a deeper meaning that is not always easily comprehensible. Gerritsen’s paintings immediately captivate the viewer with their vibrant and bold colors. Unlike the photographs that served as his inspiration, he strived to avoid the chilling atmosphere that they often portrayed. As Gerritsen himself stated, “A good painting must entice with its beauty and aesthetics, but it must also leave an indelible mark on the mind.”
Every composition, regardless of how stark or minimalistic it may seem, holds multiple layers of significance that can be linked to contentious aspects of our daily lives, no matter where we reside in the world.
In one of his most colorful paintings, “England, London,” a group of people confront the viewer, exuding an air of agitation. It is unclear if they are part of a demonstration or fleeing from some impending danger. This artwork was inspired by a photograph Gerritsen came across in a newspaper, depicting a group of people being evacuated after the 2005 attack on the London Underground.
Another painting captures a man sitting on a bench, adorned in a bright red jacket with his tie flapping in the wind. At first glance, he appears to be peacefully asleep. Yet, upon closer inspection, his pale face suggests that he may actually be deceased. Gerritsen himself remarked on this artwork, stating “I intentionally left it ambiguous whether he is dead or sleeping. If I were to provide a definitive answer, I would restrict my creative process.”
After receiving an education from trade school, Gerritsen pursued his passion to become a confectioner. However, his innate talent for drawing led him to enroll in the art academy in Arnhem after completing his military training. Over the course of eighteen months, he honed his skills and developed an extensive body of work including drawings, paintings, objects, installations, and performances. This impressive collection revolves around his captivation with human expression and its profound impact.
Drawing inspiration from art history, visual media, scientific discoveries, and his surroundings, Gerritsen’s first exhibition in 1972 in Arnhem was an instant sell-out. Despite his success in the art world, he decided to put aside his paintbrush and pursue a career as a creative therapist, a venture driven by his insatiable curiosity. However, in the early 1980s, he reignited his passion for painting and picked up his paintbrush once again.
www.ftn-books.com has several publications on Gerritsen available.
