Luminescent Memory
The Kunst- en Cultuurroute Middelburg Foundation is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and to mark this milestone, participants and volunteers of the route have embraced the project ‘Kunst Kastjes Kijken’ (Art Cabinet Viewing). As part of this project, artists were tasked with creating an artwork within a wooden A4 crate that reflects 25 years of the Kunst- en Cultuurroute. André Romijn, one of the most recent participants in the Art Route and representative of Kunsthuis André, has contributed a creation that clearly showcases his artistic mastery.
At the heart of Romijn’s work is an intense portrait of a young woman, painted in oil on canvas. Her expressive eyes and subtle smile immediately capture the viewer’s attention. The choice of a deep red background accentuates the clarity and depth of her facial features, making it seem as though she has come to life from the past. The strategically placed gold leaf contrasts beautifully with the rich red tones of the bole, further enhancing the dramatic impact of the piece. Romijn’s skill in balancing light and shadow gives the woman an almost ethereal quality, as if she exists between past and present.
The crate as a Gateway to Other Dimensions
The wooden crate in which the portrait is placed serves as a symbolic gateway to another dimension. By combining ancient techniques with a contemporary presentation, Romijn succeeds in bridging different worlds. The cabinet thus becomes more than just a simple frame; it serves as a transitional ritual, inviting the viewer to enter a realm of memory and nostalgia.
An aura of timelessness and elevation
The golden frame emphasises the sacred and almost magical quality of the portrait. Gold leaf, traditionally associated with wealth and spirituality, bestows the work with an aura of timelessness and elevation. This choice reinforces the idea that the cabinet is a passageway to a higher, transcendent reality.
The portrait of the young woman seems to open a window to the past. Her gaze, both serene and penetrating, creates a connection between the viewer and another time, as if she is a messenger from a bygone era, reminding us of the enduring impact of human emotions and experiences. Her timeless presence strengthens the impression that she is looking at us from another dimension.
A bridge between the temporal and the eternal
The choice of materials contributes to the symbolic depth of the work. Gold leaf, symbolising eternity and divinity, combined with the red bole that conveys passion and vitality, creates a rich visual and emotional experience. This contrast between eternity and vitality highlights the deeper meaning of the artwork as a bridge between the temporal and the eternal.
Oeuvre
With “Luminescent Memory,” André Romijn demonstrates his ability to reinterpret the techniques of the old masters in a fresh way, while maintaining his own unique artistic voice. This artwork is not only a visual spectacle but also a meaningful addition to his oeuvre, rich in symbolism and interpretive possibilities. “Luminescent Memory” would shine not only in a contemporary art collection but also in a historical museum, where it would emphasise the connection between different eras and dimensions
