coen blankwaard
The Nuenen artist Coen Blankwaard (49) is a true animal lover. Pigs have, naturally, a special place in his heart and he recalls how his grandmother used to make traditional meals in his youth. He frequently recounts how he was brought up among the ’piggies‘ (metaphorically speaking, of course). And as an artist he also appreciates these, often underestimated, animals. He says, "Round and full. They offer a lot of room for creativity.
"With my paintings, I wish to also send a message. My artwork always comes with texts, images, and symbols included, through which you are brought into my dream world."
Blankwaard works mainly with acrylic, oil and oil-chalk on linen or wood and usually without any set plan. He continues, "White has the same effect on me as a red rag to a bull." The artist pauses frequently, as he works towards his finished creation. As a result, his art can be seen as being built up of layers.
He concludes, "Just like life itself. Former layers remain in your being and will sometimes come up to the surface."