Jesse Willems

In his work, Jesse Willems explores both the boundaries and the interfaces between figurative and abstract pictorial conception.

Within his geometric corset, Jesse Willems impresses with a diversity of forms. The abstract pictorial compositions unfold in the two-dimensional, in a mystery of familiar sensuality and new timelessness. The interplay of pure geometry with old materials narrates the time-honored familiarity of a bygone era in a no-frills, matter-of-fact contemporary outfit. Jesse Willems combines the formal language of constructivism with intuitive richness and virtuosity. For instance, he repeatedly interlaces the austerity of the elements with breaks and shifts that then reveal something of the layer beneath. The collages of circular, rectangular, and triangular segments develop on Jesse Willems' picture surfaces into veritable fireworks of colourfully nuanced voyages of discovery.

Silvie Aigner, chief editor PARNASS to the work of Jesse Willems:
"His work initially appears formal, concrete, as an interplay of free forms. However, his work is closely linked to the street art and music scene. Thus, for the collage he made for the hip-hop artist Coely, he not only received the Marc Meulemans Award (Best Artwork), but also a nomination for Best Artwork at the Music Industry Awards (MIA's). His tool is scissors, which he uses to cut fragments out of old newspapers, magazines and textbooks. The spectrum of techniques within his artistic practice is wide and includes collage as well as photography."