Shifting Focus

During the event on April 1st at De Zolder Studio, work is exhibited by Olivier Calkoen, Karlijn de Lange, and Kyara van Meel.

Olivier describes his work as abstract, natural, and open to multiple interpretations. “Through photography, I explore self-created abstract worlds as well as the conceptual beauty found in everyday life. I am fascinated by crystals, minerals, and metals, and often incorporate these materials into my work,” he explains.

Through his work, Olivier aims to spark imagination by revealing environments that are usually invisible to the naked eye. “Someone might see the night sky in one of my images, while another might see the depths of the ocean. That’s what I love about abstract art—everyone creates their own narrative.” His work invites viewers to share their interpretations, allowing each artwork to generate its own unique story.

Karlijn’s work explores desert landscapes in the southwestern United States, examining the boundaries between landscape and abstraction. Within these vast environments, she reflects both real and imagined memories from her life.

“These landscapes have been engraved in my memory since childhood, shaped by long annual road trips. Vast areas that once took days to explore are now instantly accessible through photography and satellite imagery.”

As part of her process, Karlijn revisits these landscapes through photographs taken from airplanes and from Google Earth, often referencing coordinates in her titles. By translating satellite imagery into drawings and paintings, she creates ambiguity in scale and perspective.

Her work responds to the overstimulation of the digital world by slowing down the perception of time and space. It revolves around the question: in a visually saturated society, how do we imagine a place of solitude?

For Kyara, art has always been an essential part of life. “Creating art brings me back to my inner core. It requires honest reflection on myself, my thoughts, and my process,” she says.

She creates oil paintings that explore the aesthetics of nature and the female body in a holistic way. “I draw inspiration from observing myself, the fruits and flowers I hold, and the overwhelming presence of vast landscapes.”

Through layered oil paint, Kyara aims to express the beauty inherent in nature. She brings life to apparently still materials by pouring care and attention into the process. Her work is inspired by the cycle of life, starting from within. She describes her paintings as romantic, physical, and atmospheric.