The process of painting is captivating and endless, and José Heerkens’ work is centered on concentration and intensity. Color is the main theme and means of creating space, rhythm, and openness. The balance between tension and calm, movement and stillness, objectivity and subjectivity of color are elements that unfold while observing José Heerkens’ work. This multi-layered quality in her paintings demands a close examination from the observer. It is crucial that the viewer does not just look at the painting, but steps into it and becomes a part of it. Simultaneously, José Heerkens works on multiple concepts, including the times of the day since 2010. Titles such as Morning, Evensong, Vespere, Predawn, and Dawn refer to this. Pure, transparent linen is used in various concepts. This allows the color of the linen to be present from the beginning. Colors have a different intensity and lightness on pure linen than when applied on white primed canvas. Each color is deliberately chosen. Sometimes, colors are created that closely resemble the color of the linen. This brings out the differences between the woven and painted surface. Formats and dimensions are carefully selected. For the exhibition NOONTIDE at the Mies van der Rohe Haus in Berlin, Germany, she created the piece Laying Down On Seven Greens. “Sincerely yours” is the title of the exhibition at O-68. Even in square formats, the image appears more horizontal than vertical. The horizontal lines draw the image towards the sides, creating a sense of horizontal space. The lines sometimes run from edge to edge, and sometimes they end sooner. Colors flow from line to line, from shape to shape, from left to right. This invites the viewer to read her paintings, as one would read a letter. This brings the method of reading into a surprising connection with painting.
www.ftn-books.com has several Heerkens titles now available.
