R E N É    V A N    T O L

My work revolves around
the dialectic of perception.

1. I consider two forms of observation.
The firsts is founded on one of the most
important discoveries of Modernism:
a Stream time within observation.
This Stream leads to a break down
of the observed form
(see Monet, Cezanne, and Rodin).
Contrary to this Stream of time is the Gestalt.
A Gestalt can only manifest itself in
a small fraction of time; the blink of an eye.
Therefore, I consider two experiences of time
within observation: one moving and one static;
a continuous stream and a single point
which determine our observation.

2. A second idea, used by me,
stems from the pre-impressionist period:
working from the abstract to the figurative.
Geometric abstractions are used to
channel observation.
This creates various layers within the work of art.
I apply these two ideas practically by starting
from geometric abstractions, who make it possible
to depict both static and moving principles at once.
Hereafter follows the depiction of
the concrete or figurative.