Bart Hamelink - We Are Us

Hamelink combines contemporary themes with influences from the past and often works in an energetic, expressive style. He draws inspiration from the tradition of artists such as Herman Brood, who was known for his raw, spontaneous approach, as well as Riek van Iersel, who sought a powerful emotional expression in his work. Hamelink is best known for his paintings and drawings, in which he pushes the boundaries of traditional painting and tackles themes such as identity, culture and social issues. His work can be characterised by a direct, unpolished approach to the medium, which exudes a certain spontaneity and energy. Like Brood and Van Iersel, Hamelink plays with the tension between personal experience and the broader social context, often with a focus on contemporary society. His style is often raw, unfiltered and full of expression, using powerful colours and dynamic shapes that enhance the urgency of his themes. Bart Hamelink seems to bridge the gap between traditional expressive movements and contemporary art with his work, while at the same time critically reflecting on modern times.