Texts

The colour of a non-colour

Dan Holsbeek (2016)

“Major changes in this recent work are the use of coal, both as a medium and as an image, and the figure of Saint Barbara who suddenly put in an appearance.”

“In this new phase, An Vanderlinden’s oeuvre no longer simply followed the parameters of painting, but saw her visual language expand from the two- to the three-dimensional. In the first place the original two-dimensionality was breached by ‘painting’ with acryl combined with stone dust, giving her work the appearance of material art. Moreover, her canvasses were repeatedly presented in relation to objects: holy water stoups filled with coal and accompanied by a wall plaque with an image of Saint Barbara. Sacred objects all, functioning, because of the materials used, because of their use, and because of the image, as vehicles for both the earthly and the transcendental.”

Paintings

Fons De Bleser

“In Vanderlinden’s abstract imagery, the idealization of the form touches us; a refined use of colour has replaced the black of the initial phase of her career. Her strength in composition radiates primordial power, artlessly and without technical gimmicks, always seeking the correct tone to translate the aesthetics of the subject for the viewer. The pictorial wealth of her use of colour adds a poetic touch, allowing us to give shape to our own dreams.”

E. Boon

“An’s pictures are dynamic and temperamental. She always uses symbols like crosses and circles. They only emphasize dynamics and temper. Their impact is bewildering. An swears to explicit colours. Black is always there, slightly enlightened by more lucid colours. Blue is her bridge between mystery and mysticism, while deep red and bright yellow excite magic. Her mix of colors is plastical, playful and above all, very striking. The different stresses in colours create a certain atmosphere, that puts An’s message through, without obtruding it.”