does looking at art also give you a burst of creative inspiration?

Yesterday, I visited two galleries with my father. At the Tim Van Laere Gallery, we saw the work of Dennis Tyfus, and at Gallery Sofie Van de Velde, that of Eline Rausenberger—two Antwerp-based figurative artists, each with their own unique style.

Visiting a gallery or exhibition always sparks my creative mind. I can't help but look at how something is made and which techniques were used. My thoughts immediately start bubbling. I instantly make connections and associations in my head. Sometimes I even see solutions for my own creative projects, even if they are completely different. That's how my brain works: always associating.

Art challenges me to think. It makes me reflect on what I see, what it conveys, and also on myself and what I want to express. It is a constant source of inspiration and motivation to get to work and find my own expression. It nourishes me, inspires me, and also relaxes me. It gives me the energy to keep going and continue developing my own artistic journey!

It's also wonderful to do this with someone who has a completely different perspective. It's fascinating how others notice different things, which makes me look in new ways as well. Can you follow me? It's truly delightful and so inspiring to share perspectives and encourage each other to see art and creativity from new angles.

I was impressed by the scale of Tyfus' work, which was larger than I had expected, and by the technique he used. His large-format drawings combine a contemporary aesthetic with a delightful humor that is both refreshing and challenging. I'm a fan of that humor!

Tyfus himself says about this: "Humor is often underestimated, but I consider it an incredibly powerful weapon in the fight against cynicism and right-wing extremism. Right-wing or far-right parties—in our country they've all become the same—thrive on the fear they instill in their voters. Art, music, and humor are a fantastic antidote to that, because bringing people together is the opposite of scaring them." (from an article by Jonas Mortier in De Morgen, February 1, 2024)

I'm so glad I managed to catch Dennis Tyfus' Tattooed Tears of Joy at the last minute!

Eline Rausenberger, on the other hand, is known for her refined and poetic approach to figurative art. There is so much happening in her work that you can keep looking at it and continuously discover new details. You completely get absorbed in the atmosphere.

It's wonderful to see that artists from two generations (Dennis Tyfus °1979 and Eline Rausenberger °1944) choose not to work solely on traditional canvas. Working on paper reflects one of my own creative preferences! Perhaps working on paper adds a more intimate and personal dimension to the creative process, as these materials often require a direct, hands-on approach. It is this immediacy that appeals to me so much. It demands a different mindset and often stimulates new ways of thinking and creating. Working on paper pushes me to find creative solutions, since you don't always have the same possibilities to layer one element over another.