Windowbox # 2 SKIN Ð Kaat Van Doren & Claire de Jong 

 2 February Ð 23 April 2017 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SKIN takes as its point of departure the artistic exploration of materials that have different 
capacities for catching the light. Light is thus the necessary immaterial component. In the second 
Ôwindowbox,Õ DutchÐSouth African sculptor Claire de Jong accepts the invitation to enter into 
visual dialogue with Mechelen artist Kaat Van Doren. They find each other in their vision of the 
Ôimage,Õ in which light plays a generative role and at the same time becomes the subject of 
experiment. In their work, light unapologetically evokes ÔpurityÕ and Ôwonder,Õ and yet takes on 
the hidden essence of a fragile and transient world. Both artists accomplish this in series and 
variations. Their respective oeuvres rely on a modernity that does not shy away from the 
sensory. 

 In the exhibition SKIN Ð visible from the street Ð Claire de JongÕs white gesso sculptures and Kaat 
Van DorenÕs monumental linocuts capture the changing light and shadows of the day. Claire de 
JongÕs fragile, upright bodies Ð deliberately unsteady and uncertain on their pedestals Ð are full 
of white angles, edges and curves. Sanded to such a degree that they acquire a voluptuous skin, 
veined with mirrors in search of light. Body and image: bold and uncertain, vulnerable and 
wounded, her animistic sculptures seek Ð as in a ritual Ð the healing light in order to share it 
with the other works and with the viewer. 

The delicate power of these timeless, totemic variations contrasts with Kaat Van DorenÕs 
exploration of the temporary. How to translate the (un)predictability of the momentary and 
transient into material form? She is equally fascinated with differences in the capture and 
reflection of light, to the point of darkness even. White on white, black on white . . . black on 
black . . . The (un)predictable result of other angles of incidence on the sheerest of surfaces, on 
the blackest of blacks, on the texture of paper or linocut relief fascinates. As does the cadence of 
her long accordion sculpture in which the linocut image rhythmically appears and disappears. 

 The eternal dimension in Claire de JongÕs sculptures and the ephemeral in Kaat Van DorenÕs 
linocuts keep one another in balance. Paradoxically, the underlying fragility of the sculptures 
stands out, and the linocuts thereby reveal their hidden eternal darkness. Both artists reveal, 
literally and figuratively, the tension between light and darkness. Because light caresses surfaces 
into skin. Without it there is NOTHING. 

 

 

 

 

 Windowbox # 2 SKIN Ð Kaat Van Doren & Claire de Jong 

 2 February - 23 April 2017 

 

Studio Kaat Van Doren, Guldenstraat 17 2800 Mechelen (opposite parking Lamot) Ð Belgium 

Vernissage Thursday 2 February 18:00 Ð 21:00 // Finissage Sunday 23 April 14:00 Ð 18:00 

. Curated & text by : Frank Herman 
. The exhibition is visible from the street 
. Studio visits by appointment only: kaatvandoren@skynet.be - +32 - 479 33.98.39 
. www.kaatvandoren.com 
. www.clairedejong.be