Hans Theys

Hans Theys is a twentieth-century philosopher and art historian. He has written and designed dozens of books on the works of contemporary artists and published hundreds of essays, interviews and reviews in books, catalogues and magazines. All his publications are based on actual collaborations and conversations with artists.

This platform was developed by Evi Bert (M HKA / Centrum Kunstarchieven Vlaanderen) in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp (Research group Archivolt), M HKA, Antwerp and Koen Van der Auwera. We also thank Idris Sevenans (HOR) and Marc Ruyters (Hart Magazine).

Walter Swennen

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(c)image: M HKA

Zonder titel [Untitled]

Walter Swennen

Drawing , 196 x 148 mm

paper

What we first see in the drawings of Walter Swinnen seems easily identifiable. When, however, we try to interpret the works our efforts bog down. The easily named images then in fact seem not as recognizable as all that. They raise more questions than they answer. And it is precisely in this that the power of Swennen's art resides. It is not the drawing that is the final stage; it is to be found rather in the process that occurs on the part of the viewer when seeing the piece.

Behind the familiar elements hides a deep void. Here, the artist stays mum, and it is up to the viewer to reflect, feel, imagine and philosophize. "What is of essence is the beauty of the leap into the void". Focusing on recognizable things, our attention becomes diverted towards deeper, intangible silences. Remaining occupied with deep questions of life, Swennen then presses our noses to the everyday, simple things of life.

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