Tom Van Puyvelde
Evanescence
Press Release
Curatorial
"Evanescence," by its definition, refers to the process of fading away or disappearing gradually, often leaving behind no tangible trace. It is a term that captures the essence of transience and the impermanence of states, moments, and forms.
In the context of the upcoming exhibition titled 'Evanescence' at BUYSSE Gallery, and in line with the insightful and reflective tone of the previous writings, the theme suggests an artistic exploration of fleeting moments and the ephemeral nature of existence. It resonates with the critical dialogues and the intuitive, evolving journey shared between myself, Louis Buysse, and Tom Van Puyvelde, which has been built upon a foundation of contemplation and mutual respect for the temporal qualities inherent in life and art.
The term evanescence could be seen as a guiding metaphor for the artworks displayed. It speaks to the nature of Van Puyvelde's work, which, as Domenico de Chirico has noted, occupies a space where “everything happens and manifests itself”—a statement that encapsulates the fleeting interactions between the artist's brush and the canvas, where each stroke is a testament to the momentary essence it captures.
'Evanescence' as a concept is intrinsically aligned with the previous exhibition 'Variantes,' as part of the outcome of the Chambre Avec Vue artist residency in Saignon (France). By embracing the idea of subtle gradations and the intangible qualities that emerge from the dynamic between the visible and the invisible, the figurative and the abstract. It suggests that the artworks are not static but are involved in a constant process of becoming and unbecoming, much like the ever-changing dialogue between the gallery and its audience, which shapes and is shaped by these encounters.
The exhibition is thus a manifestation of this notion, where the artwork provides an anchor for experiences that are as transient as they are impactful, leaving an indelible impression on the viewer's mind long after the image has faded from view. In this space, Van Puyvelde's art becomes a medium through which we witness the beautiful yet ephemeral dance of light and shadow, form and dissolution—a space where the visual language of evanescence challenges us to find meaning in what is fleeting and to appreciate the resonant beauty of that which is poised to disappear.
In an intimate interrogation of Van Puyvelde's artistic methodology, we encounter a series of existential queries that shape the canvas's destiny: What methods construct a visual narrative within his oeuvre, and by what means is that narrative subsequently veiled, its clarity diminished in gradual obscurity? How does the medium commune with the canvas's surface? Upon which tools does the artist rely to impart a unique cadence to his creations? With what rhythm and fervor does the artist's hand navigate the textural landscape? These lines of inquiry transcend the mere mechanics of technique, inviting a deeper rumination on the painting's very soul. Van Puyvelde's response to such questions is manifested in the myriad textural variations of his canvases, the tangible vitality of the paint, and the deliberate dynamism in each stroke—each element converging beyond the representational to uncover a narrative that resonates with universal truths intrinsic to the discipline of painting.
Gallery Statement
The journey to this inaugural exhibition at BUYSSE has been one of passion, mutual respect, vision, and unwavering dedication. My connection with Tom Van Puyvelde traces its roots to the fertile academic grounds of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts (Ghent, Belgium) in 2011. Under the tutelage of
Belgian artists such as Vincent Geyskens, Narcisse Tordoir, Paul Casaer and Ingrid Castelein, our shared dedication to the arts, architecture, and design was forged and refined.
Our connection, kindled by a relentless pursuit of artistic inquiry, has challenged the status quo, prompting us to contemplate art's position in the contemporary visual discourse. Such critical conversations have navigated the shifting terrain of art's value and distinctiveness within an era increasingly saturated with mainstream sensibilities.
As we prepare to unveil the 'BUYSSE' gallery to the public on the 13th of April, 2024, in Knokke, we are proud to present an embodiment of a growing dialogue that has matured over more than a decade. This discourse is not just between myself, Louis Buysse, and Tom Van Puyvelde but also with the broader cultural narrative. It was only natural to invite Tom to christen the gallery as the first exhibiting artist, setting a precedent of profound conceptual and aesthetic engagement.
In alignment with the curatorial insights of Domenico de Chirico, our venture is an experiential unveiling where, as he so eloquently puts it, “everything happens and manifests itself.”¹ These words resonate deeply within the curatorial environment where coherence and balance stimulate intuition. In the exhibition “Variantes”, as an outcome of the fruitful artist residency in “Chambre Avec Vue”, Saignon (France), de Chirico captures the phenomenon where silent yet vibrant dialogues between artist and observer crystallize into tangible experiences.
Our opening display will not only showcase the visual articulations of Van Puyvelde but also serve as a testament to an intuitive manifestation, a dialogue that has been continually evolving. This interaction is intrinsic to the growth of both the artist and the gallery. Here, we celebrate the intuitive manifestation of art from itself—a dialogue that is both personal and expansive, reflecting the intimate spaces.
Tom Van Puyvelde's presence at BUYSSE heralds a commitment to those moments of profound revelation where, to borrow the astute observation of de Chirico, "a cavern is situated, with ivy, shade, and pleasantly sweet waters."
Biography
Tom Van Puyvelde is an artist and designer born in 1985 in Temse, Belgium. He started his studies in Visual Arts after completing his degree in Architecture at Sint-Lucas Ghent in 2008. Following his graduation with a Master's in Visual Arts from the School of Arts Ghent in 2014, under the guidance of Jan Debbaut and Vincent Geyskens, he worked as an assistant at Studio Koen van den Broek. This experience fueled his ambition and shaped his conceptual vision as a painter. After living and working in Brussels, Lisbon, and Berlin, he returned to his hometown in 2022. Van Puyvelde identifies as a fundamental painter who eschews traditional classifications such as abstraction and figuration. The representation is secondary to the translation: the endless painterly possibilities inherent in the source material form the core of his practice. Van Puyvelde has exhibited nationally and internationally. He held a solo exhibition in France at Chambre Avec Vue, Saignon (2023), a solo exhibition at Common Sense Gallery, Vienna (2024), and is currently exhibiting at Buysse Gallery in Knokke. He participated in a group exhibition at Aqualex Knokke (2022) and Plus-One Gallery Antwerp (2024).