Expression Print

About Bob Donker As a self-taught artist, Bob Donker (1962) made abstract paintings for many years, which he exhibited and sold. Characteristic of this period are the abstraction through a strong, tight division of the surface, an elusive interplay of lines and a dynamic use of colours. For example, the Amsterdam district of Nieuw West/Sloterdijk acquired a monumental work of his for the wedding hall of the district office. In recent years he has devoted himself to digital art. For him, the technique of this medium is not paramount, but it is a tool to visualize his ideas. He himself says about this: “digital technology should be subordinate to the way of thinking to create something. I see it as a toolbox and not as a resource.” Bob first develops images in his head and then goes in search of suitable images. His older paintings show similarities with his new digital montages, only the context of the computer-made work is completely different and more layered due to the new added meaning. In a number of cases he also uses his previously made paintings as a basis for new work. In many of his images the emphasis is on what cannot be seen or what is still hidden somewhere. An important source of inspiration is the uncomfortable experiences with relatives that have a major influence on how he sees people, power relations and the future. He was raised materialistic and over the course of his life he changed his mind about it. After a personal crisis and serious illness, the abstract disappears and he moves towards surrealism. All these experiences have made him lose faith in other people and this translates into 'dark' images. His work provides a commentary on today's society, with its opinions and (pre)judgments. Bob Donker often shows us the dark side of a reality, which he comments on and distorts. His new digital work is dynamic and at the same time disturbing. Nothing seems certain with him. As a viewer, you have to take the time to absorb everything because of the enigmatic character.