Through a collection of twenty works, painter-philosopher Jean De Groote explores themes of existence and the essence of being. His minimalist, still-life style invites viewers to contemplate the relationship between the visible and the invisible.
In 'It Is', artist and philosopher Jean De Groote presents a series of about twenty paintings characterized by simple subjects set against sober, uncluttered backgrounds. These works function as a distinct form of still life where the subjects are stripped of their usual meaning or function, existing instead in a state of profound silence. By focusing on objects that are 'merely being,' De Groote encourages viewers to look beyond the surface, prompting reflection on the invisible, the visible, and the fundamental nature of existence.
The exhibition is uniquely curated to contrast De Groote’s contemporary aesthetic with the rich historical context of the Adornes Estate and the Jerusalem Chapel. This juxtaposition serves as a starting point for deeper inquiries into the interplay between being and time, human conventions, and spirituality. De Groote, who has pursued his painting-philosophy for over forty years from his studio in Nazareth, East Flanders, challenges audiences to consider the metaphysical questions that occupy the boundaries of human understanding.