Step into the enchanting world of "Light and Shadow"

Light and Shadow: The Art of Clair-Obscur

Jump into the enchanting world of "Light and Shadow," a unique joint exhibition by photographer Ursula van de Bunte and portrait painter André Romijn. From November 30, 2024 through January 26, 2025, in the late Gothic chapel of the Cellebroeders monastery, known for centuries as the "English Church" in Middelburg, you can enjoy a visual spectacle that celebrates the masterful technique of Clair-Obscur, inspired by the style of Italian painter Caravaggio (1571-1610).

Strong contrasts

Clair-Obscur, or Chiaroscuro, is an art technique that revolves around the use of strong contrasts between light and dark to emphasize shapes and depth. This style, which originated in the work of Caravaggio, was further developed by 17th century Dutch painters such as Hendrick ter Brugghen, Dirck van Baburen and Gerrit van Honthorst. In "Light and Shadow," Ursula van de Bunte and André Romijn explore this classic technique through modern photography and painting.

Capturing Emotions

Photographer Ursula van de Bunte is known for her talent for capturing emotions and stories through her lens, Ursula van de Bunte brings a modern interpretation of Clair-Obscur to the exhibition. Her photographs play with shadows and light to reveal the essence of her subjects, allowing each photograph to offer a deep and personal experience. Visit her website here for a taste of her work.

Portrait painter André Romijn combines classical techniques with modern themes. His use of light and shadow in portraits evokes the intense emotions so characteristic of the works of Caravaggio. Romijn's paintings are both timeless and contemporary, making them perfectly suited to the theme of this exhibition.

Deep Connection

Photography and painting may seem like different mediums, but they share a profound connection in their use of light and shadow to tell stories and convey emotions. In this exhibition:

Photography: Ursula van de Bunte uses light to capture the essence of her subjects, with shadows and contrasts enhancing the emotions and stories in her photographs.

Painting: André Romijn brings life to his portraits with oil paint and brush, using the nuances of light and dark to create depth and intensity.

Both art forms use the Clair-Obscur technique to achieve dramatic effect, complementing and enhancing each other in this collaborative exhibition. Visitors will see how both lens and brush apply the same principles to create impressive visual narratives.

Visit and Experience

Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience the beautiful symbiosis of photography and painting in the historic setting of the English Church. "Light and Shadow: The Art of chiaroscuro" promises to be a visually rich experience you will not soon forget.