The exhibition of Hans Broek derives its title from the paintings of Delacroix and the film ‘Il Gattopardo’ by Luchino Visconti. Together with the series of paintings by Broek, the 19th century work of Delacroix and the 20th century Visconti film constitute a cycle of influences.
The painting ‘La Liberté guidant le peuple’ by Delacroix (1830) presents the June Revolution, which was a topical theme of the day. ‘Il Gattopardo’ of 1963 draws its stylistic approach from paintings such as those of Delacroix and similarly focuses on the theme of revolution, social change and the gulf between rich and poor.
In his turn, Hans Broek is inspired by the relationship between Delacroix and Visconti and the events taking place on today’s world stage. This gives shape to his principal theme – translating film into painting – by taking key scenes from the film as the subject of his paintings. The final results are complex and simultaneously infused with urgency. Are the paintings based on film or on old masters? Who did what, and what is authentic? At the same time, revolution and the celebration of life are a universal and particularly contemporary topic that can be communicated by the all-embracing principle of claire obscure in painting, film and photography.
Hans Broek
Hans Broek (1965) lives and works in New York where he is represented by Newman Popiashvili. On moving from Los Angeles to New York several years ago, Broek’s subject-matter underwent a shift, moving from the Californian landscape to more cultural and historical themes. Hans Broek has taken part in exhibitions in America and throughout Europe. His work is represented in prominent museum collections such as the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam and Museum De Pont Foundation in Eindhoven. Recent solo exhibitions include Nada Art Fair Miami and the Stedelijk Museum ‘s-Hertogenbosch.