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Randolf
Bruin was born in the Netherlands in 1968. At the age of 19 he
took up the brush, actually the pallet knife, and began to
formulate his unique vision of what painting could be. Entirely
self-taught, he was free from academic constraints and
preconceived notions of how art could look.
While studying for his Master's in Psychology, Randolf organized
the X Exhibition Hall in Leiden, Netherlands. Here he held several
exhibitions of his own work and arranged more than 25 exhibitions
of other local and international artists. With the aid of these
artists he helped start the foundation "De Leidse
School" which now provides studios for more than 50 artists.
For over six years Randolf remained active in the Leiden Art
community, executing special assignments and selling many of his
works.
Having made his mark in Leiden, Randolf made his first steps in
China where he became involved in the burgeoning art scene in the
Southern Provinces. In the summer of 1997 he met the Chinese
painter Wang Yang in his studio in Wuxi. With Wang's help, Randolf
held his first oriental group exhibition at the invitation of
Zhang Cong Zheng, President of the Wuxi City Artist's Association.
In
October 1999, Randolf moved to Guangzhou in order to work in his
own Garden Studio. From here he organized solo exhibitions at the
Joy-power Club, Kathleen's, Milano's and the Persimmon Art
Gallery. The last of which was opened by the Dutch Consul-General.
Most recently Randolf has moved to the capitol, Beijing, where he
has begun a new phase in his creative exploration of the canvas.
Randolf's paintings focus on the female nude but approach this
traditional subject in an original way. Generally the emotion of
the figure is sought by the viewer in the expression of the face.
This simple psychological fact leads most viewers to disregard 90%
of the painting being viewed. In order to help the viewer
appreciate the emotive effect of the figure's form and in the
subtle balance of shade and tone, Randolf focuses in on the
subject's body, eliminating the face which would otherwise
immediately draw the viewer's attention.
His work has recently taken a new direction. While continuing with
his focus on the female form he has added a new dimension - mixed
media. His addition of found objects and communist kitsch into his
sensual depictions of female figures has created a new world of
textual possibilities in his art. Watch out for more to come...
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