Harmen van der Tuin

Harmen draws inspiration from both minimalism and abstract expressionism, creating paintings that focus on materiality, movement, and sculptural presence. His work embodies an exponent of the Western tradition of expressionism and minimalism, where the contrast between these movements serves as a driving force that guides the various seasons of his work. Harmen creates monochrome material paintings on wooden, jute, and synthetic substrates, where brushstrokes become the subject of the painting itself. Structure is central to his work, with grooves made by brushstrokes, sticks, and brushes. Color is added later and is often monochrome, painted with ultra-matte pure pigments, emphasizing structure and dynamic movement. Through the use of matte patina, the form itself is highlighted, not its reflection of the environment. Harmen’s unique style stands out for its strength and simplicity.

In my work, I am a realist. It refers to nothing else than what it is. By using structures, I play with light and space. My works are purely abstract. Abstract art does not strive for an accurate depiction of visual reality, but rather utilizes forms, colors, shapes, and gestures to achieve a particular effect. In the art world, “abstract” refers to a movement that focuses on forms, colors, lines, and patterns, without directly referencing recognizable objects. Abstract art emphasizes the expression of emotions, ideas, and abstract concepts.

Artists engaged in this ‘pure’ abstraction prefer terms like concrete art or non-objective art, but in practice, the term ‘abstract’ is commonly used, and the distinction between the two is not always clear. Abstract art is often seen as carrying a moral dimension, as it can be associated with virtues such as order, purity, simplicity, and spirituality.