Works by Luuk De Haan
Luuk de Haan was born in Vlaardingen, South Holland, Netherlands. He is a visual artist and sound designer. His visual art relies on the mediums of photography, drawing and digital tools to create organic, geometric abstract compositions.
Education
De Haan studied at the HKU University of the Arts Utrecht (Hoge School voor de Kunsten HKU), in Utrecht, Netherlands.
Technique
The photographs Luuk de Haan makes are derived from a unique method that combines contemporary technology like digital graphics software with historic photographic techniques. The process begins when De Haan uses digital software to create a geometric composition. He then photographs that composition directly from the screen. By adjusting the physical conditions under which the photograph is taken, such as by lowering the light or moving the camera, De Haan allows the analogue photographic process to interact with the digital image in ways that are often unpredictable, introducing an element of surprise to the final result. Sometimes De Haan will perform dance-like gestures while exposing the photograph, giving an active gestural quality to the image. The resulting images can simultaneously be read as naturally expressive and organic as well as graphic explorations of shape, color, geometry and line.
Inspiration
De Haan is inspired by a minimalist aesthetic, which leads to compositions defined by confident, geometric shapes, clear lines, smooth surfaces, and a pared down visual vocabulary. And he is also inspired by music and a sense of poetic openness. His work inhabits a space of depth, where things are not always as simple as they appear. His compositions appear to be in flux, as though not fully determined. He has likened this mix of concrete and abstract influences to architecture: defined as much by solid forms as by the space and silence within. Artists who have influenced his work include Ellsworth Kelly and Barnett Newman, along with musicians like Morton Feldman, Steve Reich and Brian En
Relevant quotes
“Minimalism and strong shapes go beautifully together in the work of Luuk de Haan. The in essence photographic works offer a glimpse into unknown territory, a convincing and clear parallel universe. A quiet and personal world, deep and colorful. In his study of form and space De Haan creates new, poetic images. With his elusive geometric and organic forms he creates an aesthetic vision, a pure representation of the imagination.”
Exhibitions
Luuk de Haan has exhibited extensively in a variety of galleries and museums throughout the Netherlands and Germany, as well as at international fairs like Art New York, EXPO Chicago and Art Miami.
Exhibitions
2018
Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary, Palm Beach, USA
2017
Eloquent Geometry, Espace Meyer/Zafra, Paris, France
Expo Chicago, USA
Art New York, USA
2016
Art Miami, USA
Light Painted Abstractions, Kaune Contemporary, Cologne, Germany
Songs on Paper – duo exhibition with Pieter Bijwaard – Kunsthandel Ineke Aronds, Bergen, The Netherlands
Expo Chicago, USA
big nothing – curated by Richard Caldicott – Sous Les Etoiles Gallery, New York City, USA
Prime Time / Object_if – archetypes of abstraction in photography, DiehlCUBE, Berlin, Germany
Art New York, USA
2015
Silence out Loud – curated by Joost Zwagerman – Museum Kranenburgh, Bergen, The Netherlands
Blind Date II, Dapiran Art Project Space, Utrecht, The Netherlands
Modest Masters #1, Het Hof, Bergen, The Netherlands
Ways of the Imagination, Witteveen Visual Art Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
2014
Inspiratie - kunst, kennis en natuur, Museum Kranenburgh, Bergen, The Netherlands
2013
Neue Stille, Galerie Vous Êtes Ici, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
2010
SchoK, Schoorl, The Netherlands
2009
Bergen Geestgrond, Museum Kranenburgh, Bergen, The Netherlands
1995
He has never been to NYC, Galerie Jansen & Baumler, Amsterdam
1994
Lisboa Taxi, Galerie Jansen & Baumler, Amsterdam
2017
Dichtersvisioen – mystieke duidingen van de laatste gedichten van Joost Zwagerman
Discovery Books, isbn 978-90-77728-44-4
Blow Photo issue #15 | abstract
2016
De keuze van Joost Zwagerman. Ode aan de kunst, uitgeverij Terra
Prime Time - Archetypes of Abstraction in Photograph, Volker Diehl
'big nothing' june 16, The New Yorker
5 Photography Exhibitions to See This Summer, july 5, Aperture
Big nothing at Sous Les Etoiles by Isabelle Von Arx, june 20, Musée Magazine
2015
waarschijnlijkheid 10, Witteveen Visual Art Centre Magazine, Oeke Witteveen
'inspiratie door het Oude Hof', NRC
2014
'Het Oude Hof in Bergen',uitgeverij Noord-Holland
2013
'Zielsverwant aan de nieuwe stilte', Het Parool
2012
review 'Music for Artists #1' | januari edition #107, Gonzo Circus