Koen Delaere

Koen Delaere (1973) was born in Belgium, now lives in Tilburg. Growing up, Delaere became interested in the punk scene and ended up in Art School somewhat by accident. Traces of the anti-design of the underground culture, the over-aesthetic aspects of graffiti and street art can be seen in his work, as well as the influence of post modernism and deconstruction theory that were dominating the art world at that time.

During his studies at the Tilburg Academy of Arts, Delaere quickly gained attention with his art installations, but mostly with his paintings that break with the concept of the acceptable ‘rules’. As he explains it: “My work centers on the idea of freedom and the restriction of it. By setting clear rules beforehand, I fight for my own freedom in my work.”

After graduation he continued with what he calls reinventing the art of painting by working against all kinds of limitations he sets upon himself. This way he investigates his own outlook on the world and at the same time he creates parallels with the punk/DIY culture where the lines between creator and consumer are blurred and the grassroots movement where locals develop their own political initiatives. Elements of social activism can be seen all throughout Delaere's work.

Delaere involves the viewer in his work by making his paintings ‘readable’. By using a variety of painting materials his paintings become heavily layered and almost three dimensional. From a distance his paintings are said to jump of the wall. When you stand really close you can see all the details and 'deconstruct' the way the painting is made. By making his approach and techniques so visible to the viewer, Delaere hopes to leave them with a sense of self-realization, a feeling that the world can be shaped.

As he explains: “My way of working is 'all-or-nothing'. Nothing is a decorative little piece to hang over the sofa. Everything means an involved work that tells something about the potential in our world; that deals with the idea of making your own decisions, winning your freedom, being responsible...”