Jos van Merendonk, born in 1956 in the Netherlands, is a significant figure in contemporary abstract art. His work is renowned for its monochromatic abstraction, particularly his persistent use of chromium oxide green, which has become his distinctive artistic language. The solo exhibition "Frog Skin" seeks to explore his investigations into color, form, and materiality while positioning his unique contributions within the broader context of contemporary art.
｜Obsession with Color: The Symbolism of Chromium Oxide Green
Since 1986, van Merendonk has almost exclusively used chromium oxide green in his works. This choice is not arbitrary but stems from his profound contemplation of the essence of color. Chromium oxide green, an industrial pigment known for its intensity and stability, functions as both an abstract reference to nature and a critical reflection on painting traditions. By repeatedly employing a single color, he challenges viewers’ expectations of chromatic diversity, compelling them to reconsider the inherent meaning of color itself.
｜Exploration of Form: Repetition and Variation in Basic Patterns
Van Merendonk’s compositions are built upon three fundamental patterns: zigzags, ovals, and overlapping Z-shapes. These motifs appear consistently throughout his work, establishing a rhythmic and meditative visual language. However, this repetition is not a mere act of duplication; rather, it serves as a process of continuous variation and reinvention. Through these fundamental forms, he investigates the relationship between order and chaos, structure and spontaneity. This ongoing formal exploration imbues his works with depth, demonstrating how simplicity can yield endless complexity.
｜Emphasis on Materiality: Painting as an Object
In van Merendonk’s practice, painting is not merely a representation but an object with its own physical presence. His works emphasize materiality through thick layers of paint, textured surfaces, and a sculptural approach to composition. By highlighting the tactile quality of paint, he invites viewers to engage with his work not just visually but through an imagined sense of touch. This focus on the physical substance of painting challenges the traditional boundaries between painting and sculpture, expanding the expressive potential of the medium.
｜The Metaphor of "Frog Skin": Between the Natural and the Artificial
The title "Frog Skin" prompts a reflection on the relationship between the natural and the artificial. The green skin of a frog resonates with the chromium oxide green that dominates van Merendonk’s work, creating a conceptual link between the organic and the industrial. While a frog’s skin is a natural, living texture, the artist’s chosen pigment is synthetic, manufactured, and stable. This interplay between nature and artificiality is a recurring theme in his practice, urging viewers to reconsider how contemporary art navigates this duality. By emphasizing this tension, his work invites discourse on humanity’s connection to nature and the role of art in mediating this relationship.
｜Conclusion
Jos van Merendonk’s "Frog Skin" exhibition presents a deep exploration of color, form, and materiality, underscoring his distinctive approach within contemporary abstract painting. His unwavering commitment to chromium oxide green, the repetition and transformation of fundamental patterns, and his emphasis on the physicality of paint all contribute to a body of work that is both formally rigorous and conceptually rich. The metaphor of "Frog Skin" further amplifies themes of nature and artificiality, encouraging viewers to rethink the intersection of organic and industrial elements in art. Through this exhibition, we gain insight into van Merendonk’s artistic universe and reflect on the significance of abstraction in contemporary art discourse.
