Canvases that are not densely painted but instead exhibit a relative emptiness from which forms and colours emerge. Wim Jacobs uses his visual elements sparingly. As a counterbalance to the carefulness with which he applies details to the canvas, there is an element of spontaneity, however. ‘I continually question my work, seeking images, building and constructing. I look for a long time, wait before making choices, but occasionally take risks in which strokes of luck and coincidence can play a role.’
Characteristic forms repeat themselves, marking a recognizable visual idiom of their own. The act of painting lies at the heart of everything. The honesty with which the materials are presented – oil paint, pencil and oil pastel, but also the structure of the canvas as substratum – gives a personal glimpse into the creative process, without the work revealing all of its secrets. As you view it, you share in Wim’s exploration, seeking, suddenly knowing something with certainty and then having doubts about it again.
• Recent exhibitions at Galerie Bart: The Unguarded Moment 2023 • Connection 2022 • Composing the Perphaps 2021.
CV
Wim Jacobs, born in 1983 in Eindhoven, is currently based in Antwerp, Belgium. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Academy of Fine Arts Sint-Lukas in Brussels and Antwerp. Since then he has exhibited in Belgium in solo, duo and group exhibitions.
Wims work has been on display for many years at F.J. Design and Galerie Unicaat. In recent years this has gained momentum with exhibitions at National 55, Kunst aan de stroom, Galerie Ludwig Trossaert, Breedlijn and Ruimte 34, all based in Antwerp. Some of his recent solo and group exhibitions include ‘Vouch III’ at Vouch the valid art valid, Amsterdam, ‘Connection’ at Galerie Bart, Amsterdam, ‘Composing the perhaps’ at Galerie Bart, Amsterdam and ‘A sequel to the present’ at Big Art 2021, Zaandam.
