Lucas van Eeghen — Contemporary Art Curator Magazine

Lucas van Eeghen

https://lucasvaneeghen.net/flora-fauna-3d/

The contemporary art world is replete with emerging talents and creative innovations, yet occasionally, an artist makes a profound impact that demands attention. Lucas van Eeghen is one such artist whose work has carved a unique niche within the realm of painting. His recent collection of 3D mixed media canvases transcends traditional art forms, establishing him not only as a master of his craft but also as a revolutionary in pushing the boundaries of visual expression.

Van Eeghen's work could be described as a symphony of texture and depth, with each piece offering a tactile experience that draws viewers into a multi-dimensional space. His technique is reminiscent of the impasto style used by old masters like Vincent van Gogh, where thick applications of paint create a physicality that adds emotion and movement to the piece. However, van Eeghen extends this concept into the third dimension, breaking free from the confines of the canvas in a way that the old masters could only metaphorically achieve through their dynamic brushstrokes.

The artworks 'All Blues', 'Butterbur', 'Enigma', 'Green Over Blue', 'Kind of Black', 'Kind of Red', 'Kind of White', 'Origin', 'So Blue', and 'Some Yellow' are testaments to van Eeghen's mastery. They reflect a deep understanding of color theory, a skilled manipulation of materials, and an inventive approach that bridges painting, sculpture, and installation art. Each piece is not just a visual treat but a sensory experience, beckoning the audience to engage with art in a way that is both novel and deeply human.

What sets van Eeghen apart is his ability to capture the essence of nature and present it in an abstract yet recognizably visceral form. Take 'Kind of White', for instance; its undulating surfaces and nuanced shades of white evoke the delicacy of frost or the softness of a petal, yet it stands as an abstract sculpture. 'So Blue' plunges into a deeper narrative, with its profound hues and expansive size, it embodies the ocean's vastness or the night sky's mystery. Each piece holds its unique dialogue with nature, an aspect that resonates with the work of old masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, who also sought to capture the essence of the natural world.

What makes van Eeghen’s art truly unique is the way he manipulates the medium to serve both as the subject and the object of his work. Whereas the old masters were confined by the two-dimensionality of their canvases, van Eeghen's pieces extend outwards, inviting not just the eye but also the hand to explore their surface. His work is a celebration of the physicality of art, where each ridge, crease, and layer is a deliberate stroke in its own right, playing with light and shadow to create a living topography.

'All Blues' and 'Green Over Blue', for example, are masterful studies of color. Much like Mark Rothko’s color field paintings, these works present a depth that seems to pull the viewer into a contemplative space. Yet, van Eeghen's added dimensionality imbues the colors with a life force that Rothko's flat surfaces only suggest metaphorically. Van Eeghen's blues and greens don’t just represent the sea or sky; they become it, with their textured waves and undulations.

In 'Butterbur' and 'Enigma', there is a palpable tension between the natural forms they emulate and the artistic innovation they represent. The pieces are almost Baroque in their drama and complexity, yet they speak a modern language of abstraction and form. They are reminiscent of the dramatic chiaroscuro and intricate compositions of Caravaggio, but they are entirely contemporary in their execution.

Each piece is an individual masterpiece, but 'Origin' deserves special mention. Here, van Eeghen taps into the primal essence of creation. With its earthy tones and organic shapes, it evokes the very beginnings of art in the caves of our ancestors. It is both a nod to the past and a leap into the future of art, a piece that is firmly rooted in the trajectory of art history yet bold in its originality.

The textural diversity within his work - from the creased landscapes of 'Kind of Black' to the vibrant, almost pulsating surface of 'Some Yellow' - shows van Eeghen's versatile command over his materials. Each canvas becomes a world unto itself, offering an exploration of its unique topography. This approach is what makes his work stand out as a confluence of painting, sculpture, and even architecture, transcending the traditional genre classifications.

Lucas van Eeghen’s work is a testament to the idea that art is not just seen but experienced. His 3D paintings challenge perceptions, inviting viewers to consider not just the surface beauty but the layered complexities beneath. Each piece is a journey through textures, colors, and forms that demand an active engagement from its audience. In a world where digital images are consumed rapidly and superficially, van Eeghen’s work requires and rewards a slower, more immersive form of observation.

Lucas van Eeghen’s 3D paintings are not just unique; they are groundbreaking. They are at once a tribute to the old masters and a radical departure from them, marrying classical techniques with contemporary vision. His work stands out as a bold statement in the art world, pushing the boundaries of what is possible within the canvas's frame. Van Eeghen’s art is not merely to be viewed; it is to be experienced, pondered over, and felt, making each piece a living entity that continues to evolve with each new set of eyes that beholds it.

The significance of Lucas van Eeghen's art in the contemporary landscape lies in its radical reimagining of the canvas. At a time when the digital age threatens to reduce the art experience to a fleeting, screen-based encounter, van Eeghen reaffirms the canvas's physicality. His works are not passive images; they are active physical presences that occupy space and demand a corporeal response from the viewer. This re-engagement with the tangible is a poignant counteraction to the virtualization of culture, reminding us of the irreplaceable power of in-person experience. Van Eeghen’s art is a bridge between epochs. It honors the tradition of meticulous craftsmanship associated with the old masters while embracing the conceptual challenges of modern art. By doing so, he creates a dialogue between the past and present, making his work an important cultural artifact that speaks to the continuity and evolution of artistic expression.

Van Eeghen's work is a celebration of the sensory experience of art. By inviting touch as much as sight, he expands the viewer's engagement with his pieces, turning a moment of observation into an extended encounter. This multisensory approach not only challenges the conventional viewer-art relationship but also elevates the importance of art as a holistic experience.

In a broader cultural context, his work is a counterpoint to the ephemeral nature of contemporary media. It stands as a bastion for the enduring, the tactile, and the deeply human. Van Eeghen’s art is important because it reclaims attention in an age of distraction. Each piece, with its intricate layers and textures, is a microcosm that requires time to explore and appreciate fully. In an art world where innovation is often equated with technology, van Eeghen's 3D paintings assert the innovative potential of traditional materials when approached with a contemporary vision. His work celebrates the enduring power of art to transform space, challenge viewers, and engage with our most primal senses. In doing so, van Eeghen does not just create masterpieces; he creates milestones that mark the path of art's ever-evolving journey.

Lucas van Eeghen’s place in the contemporary art scene is that of an innovator and a connector. He straddles the line between the past and the future, between the tangible and the conceptual. His work anchors itself in the rich soil of art history, drawing nutrients from the old masters, and then blooms in the present, unfurling leaves that reach towards the future of artistic expression.

In the contemporary milieu, van Eeghen serves as a vital reminder of the physical in an increasingly digital world. His art insists on spatial presence and tactile engagement, qualities that are often overshadowed by the screen's flat, glossy surface. As such, he is positioned as a champion of the experiential, a role that is critical in the current art scene which is saturated with transient digital images and fleeting trends.

Van Eeghen also carves a unique niche for himself by challenging the viewer's role. In a culture where the observer is often passive, his 3D paintings demand an active engagement. They require a viewer to not just pass by but to stop, to engage, and to physically interact with the work. This makes his pieces not only art objects but also experiences, aligning him with the participatory art movement which has gained prominence in contemporary practices.

His work is also important for its interdisciplinary nature. By merging painting, sculpture, and installation, van Eeghen finds synergy between forms, creating a hybrid genre that reflects the interconnectedness of the contemporary world. It’s an approach that resonates with the current art scene's emphasis on breaking down barriers between disciplines and celebrating interdisciplinarity.

Van Eeghen occupies an important space as a thought leader. His art encourages discourse on the role of art in society, on the importance of the senses in experiencing beauty, and on the ways in which art can and should occupy physical space. His presence in the art scene is a catalyst for discussions about the essence of creativity and the nature of artistic innovation. Lucas van Eeghen's place in the contemporary art scene is multifaceted. He is both a guardian of the sensory, tactile experience of art and a forward-thinking artist breaking new ground. His work is an anchor in a rapidly shifting cultural landscape, offering a touchstone for those seeking depth and connection in the physical art experience. His contributions ensure that within the dynamic narrative of contemporary art, the physical medium remains a powerful and irreplaceable vessel of human expression.

By Marta Puig

Editor Contemporary Art Curator Magazine