▍From Conceptual Art to Painting
Mari Stoel (1978, Netherlands) is an artist with profound emotion and expressive power. His artistic journey, transitioning from a conceptual artist to fully dedicating himself to painting, represents a path of continuous exploration and self-reinvention. This exhibition, As If There Were Wind, focuses on his nature-inspired works, which showcase his mastery of line and his emotional resonance.
▍An Artistic Journey into Nature
In his early years, Mari Stoel was a prominent figure in conceptual art, excelling in various media such as sculpture, photography, and installation art. However, in 2005, he made a surprising decision to shift his creative focus entirely to painting. This transformation stemmed from his pursuit of pure artistic expression and a deep fascination with nature. Unlike his earlier works, which emphasized rational structures and absurd themes, he found in painting a more intuitive and emotional form of expression—both a tribute to nature and a process of self-healing.
▍From Figurative to Abstract
Stoel's painting style has gradually evolved from figurative to abstract. He skillfully uses lines to convey power and tension, with seemingly spontaneous strokes that carry deliberate emotional depth. In his works, landscapes are not merely visual symbols but also vessels for capturing the rhythms of nature and the spirit of his inner world. Each painting feels like a poetic dialogue with nature, allowing the viewer to sense the rustling of leaves and the warmth of sunlight.
▍Showcasing Decades of Artistic Evolution
This exhibition highlights Mari Stoel’s significant works over the past two decades, from his early figurative landscapes to his recent abstract approaches, offering a comprehensive view of his artistic development. From Trees by the Lake (2005) to Garden Tree (2024), these works illustrate how he reinterprets landscapes through brushstrokes and color. In Vondelpark (2020), he captures the unique atmosphere of the Dutch landscape with flowing lines and vibrant colors, while Tree in Light and Shadow (2022) simplifies forms further, emphasizing the dialogue between color blocks and space.
▍Painting: A Journey Back to the “Source”
For Mari Stoel, painting is a journey back to the “source.” He once said, “Every time I paint, it feels like returning to a place of pure perception, free from concepts. It is where I find peace.” This philosophy is deeply reflected in the emotional purity and natural tension present in his works.
▍Reconnecting Nature and Life
As If There Were Wind | Mari Stoel Solo Exhibition invites viewers to join the artist in exploring the natural world, experiencing the rhythm of life through color and line, and reconsidering the relationship between humans and nature. These works, like a gentle breeze, bring tranquility and strength, reminding us that despite life’s challenges, we can find our light in the simplest of things.
