Rogier Oversteegen

Essential concept in the work of visual artist Rogier Oversteegen is that his work is layered. Not only in a literal sense because most of his paintings consist of layer upon layer of paint, but also in a figurative sense as one finds a cross-fertilisation of connotations regarding content. Images which, at a first glance , seem unconnected acquire new meaning by their encounter on canvas. Machines, scientific drawings, architectural shapes, ornaments, insects, trees and other images taken from nature appear upon, as well as next to each other.

The effect of this combination is often poetic: in the same way that words grouped together can evoke an image or feeling, the paintings by Oversteegen do the same. The symbolic and metaphorical value of these images is not unequivocal; the paintings are no puzzles to be understood by finding the right clues.

Oversteegen paints in a way that emphasises that his work consists of more than one layer. The images come about in thin layers of oil paint and graphite- sometimes very realistic and at other times suggested by a single stroke of a brush. One moment we are pulled into the painting by its three-dimensional effect, the next our eyes are drawn to the graphical symbols of its upper layer. Because of this effect we are reminded of the paintings by Gerhard Richter, Sigmar Polke or David Salle; however , the choice of subject and specific use of colours makes Oversteegen’s work very recognisable.

Themes such as inside-outside, human nature and other subjects connected to man’s quest for essence play an important role in these paintings

As well as being a painter, Oversteegen is also active as a photographer and an etcher. His project ”Changes” in which he followed a group of young people with his camera for six years, has received wide acclaim in the media in Holland.