✈ Your Passport to the Unseen Corners of the World, in Paint

Hello ArtHunters! 🦊

We're back with another captivating adventure, this time transcending the realm of reality to explore abstract landscapes. Today, our journey ventures into the vibrant and mystical world of Philippe Van Gele, a Belgian artist who breathes life into far-off, enigmatic lands through his brush strokes.

So, fasten your seatbelts, fellow friends! We're about to embark on a journey that's as intriguing as it is vivid. Ready to dive in? 🚀

Artist in Focus 🌟

A master of the abstract, Van Gele's (@philippevangele) paintings do more than just replicate reality – they translate it, providing a fresh lens through which we can explore our world. His landscapes, inspired by real yet remote locations, carry us on a sensory journey across mythical places that stir our curiosity and ignite our imaginations.

Take, for instance, his piece, "Napili-Honokowai", the opening piece of his new Latitude series. Each painting in this series not only bears the title of a real geographical location but also its specific latitude subtly inscribed on the back.

This artwork beautifully encapsulates Van Gele's signature blend of abstraction and reality. Each stroke, each blend of the acrylic paint brings the viewer closer to experiencing the depicted landscape, from the sounds and scents to the very textures of this mythical place.

Brushstrokes of Knowledge 📚

To truly appreciate Van Gele's art, we must delve into the rich history of abstract art. This genre, which deviates from the traditional representation of physical objects, allows artists to express ideas or emotions through color, shapes, and textures. This form of art emerged in the early 20th century, and artists like Wassily Kandinsky and Piet Mondrian were pioneers in this field.

Abstract art isn't meant to be a mirror reflecting the visible world; instead, it's more like a window into the artist's mind and emotions. Some forms of abstract art are based on real objects but are stylized or simplified, while others, like Van Gele's, use shapes and colors to evoke landscapes or objects.

What's fascinating is that each viewer might interpret the same piece of abstract art differently. In essence, the meaning of an abstract artwork is often as elusive as the art itself, and that's where its beauty lies.

Curator's Corner 🧐

Art is a form of communication, and being an art curator, one of the skills I've honed is the ability to listen to what art has to say. When it comes to abstract art, this communication is much more subtle and nuanced. It invites, almost demands, active engagement from the viewer to immerse themselves in the sensory experience it offers. It is this profound interaction that adds an additional dimension to the appreciation of art, transforming it from a passive viewing to an enriching dialogue.

Wonder of Art 💫

Did you know that abstract art has a unique impact on our brains? This style of art often eschews recognizable forms, leading us into a realm where traditional comprehension doesn't apply. As a result, our brains switch gears from trying to understand 'what' it is to understanding 'how' it makes us feel.

A study by neuroscientists found that when viewing abstract art, there's an increase in brain activity in areas associated with our emotions, inner thoughts, and general self-monitoring. Essentially, our brain enters a contemplative state where we're free to form individual interpretations, unhindered by any preconceived notions of 'reality'.

This is why you might find yourself lost in thought, emotions stirred, when you're standing before a painting like Van Gele's "Napili-Honokowai". The mysterious landscapes, the blend of colors, they all come together to create a sensory symphony that stirs our emotions, making us participants in the creation of the art's meaning.

P.S. Have you been inspired by today's feature? Do you know someone who would love diving into the world of abstract landscapes? Pass along this newsletter to them! Together, we can build an even bigger community of art enthusiasts. And as always, your feedback helps us shape ArtHunter into the best possible version. Got a topic you'd like to see covered? Or an artist you think deserves more spotlight? Simply hit reply and let us know.

P.P.S. Are you an artist who’s got some amazing artwork to share? We're always on the hunt for fresh talent to feature in our newsletter and on our Instagram! Click here to submit your work. Who knows, you might be our next Artist in Focus!

Until our next artistic adventure, keep exploring, keep learning, and keep sharing the wonderful world of art.

Cheers to the artist in each of us! 🥂