Michiel Schrijver

The paintings of Michiel Schrijver (1957) give us the opportunity to travel in his world. Painting is for him a way of traveling. And wonder is his main motivation. Amazement at what he finds in his inner world is that which appears in his paintings. It is a world in which architecture plays an important role and thereon, above and in between people are present.

A comfortable atmosphere characterizes the paintings by Michiel Schrijver. Warm sunlight outlines contours and lengthens shadows. Elephants, people, ships and ribbons swaying in the wind. Along with the colossal buildings they evoke an unreal atmosphere. The people seem small and insignificant compared to the grotesque classical architecture, yet they seem to expect something big and important. The paintings of Michiel Schrijver exude an intriguing tension, also because his performances can not be reduced to a certain time or place.

Michiel Schrijver creates timeless moments that seem to be about a lost civilization. Preferably, Michiel works on large canvases to optimize the narrative power of his performances. The perspective, usually from a high or low viewpoint, is thus more noticeable and the image is gaining spaciousness. And this very special perspective, combined with the architectural constructions, represents the very own signature of this extraordinary artist.

Michiel Schrijver studied at the Byam Shaw School of Art and Camberwell School of Art in London, England.