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Rinus Van de Velde is a total artist who uses a range of different media and forms of expression, such as drawing, sculpture, installations, and film. He initially used found photographs and images as a basis for his drawings, but later went in search of ways to exercise more control over the images. This book focuses on his process of scene-building, in which he cast himself and those around him in different roles and characters to fit them into the narrative discourse of his fictional autobiography.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2021
Publisher: Cannibal/Hannibal Publishers

Rinus Van de Velde's art is truly captivating because he invites us to join him in a profound exploration of the interplay between external expectations and internal emotions. In recent years, the artist has made remarkable strides in the development of his oeuvre, expanding his artistic horizons to encompass a diverse range of media and forms of expression.

Initially known for his large-scale charcoal drawings, Van de Velde has since positioned himself as a versatile artist, employing a diverse array of mediums and techniques such as drawing, sculpture, installation, and film. His artistic journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of creative control, as he sought ways to manipulate and shape the images he worked with.

One of the defining aspects of Van de Velde's artistic practice is his use of found photographs and images as a starting point. However, he soon realized that relying solely on these external sources was not enough to fully express his artistic vision. He embarked on a journey of self-exploration, seeking ways to exercise greater control over the images he created.

This quest led him to an extensive process of scene-building, in which he cast himself and those around him in different roles and characters to fit them into the narrative discourse of his fictional autobiography. These scenes were meticulously constructed life-size, with every intricate detail reproduced in wood and cardboard. The result is a series of captivating works that blur the boundaries between reality and fiction, inviting viewers to engage with the artist's complex and multifaceted world.

This book, titled "Rinus Van de Velde: Scene-Building," serves as a captivating exploration of this particular phase of Van de Velde's artistic activity. It is accompanied by a textual contribution from Fanni Fetzer, Director of Kunstmuseum Luzern, and Koen Sels, a renowned art historian. The text provides valuable insights into the artist's creative process, his influences, and the philosophical underpinnings of his work.

Written in both English and German, the book is accessible to a wide audience, allowing art enthusiasts and scholars alike to delve into the rich tapestry of Van de Velde's artistic achievements. Whether you are an admirer of his charcoal drawings or are interested in exploring the broader artistic boundaries of contemporary art, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the depth and complexity of Rinus Van de Velde's remarkable oeuvre.

Weight: 1408g
Dimension: 232 x 293 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789463887625