Shelter from the Storm

Since 2002, Aarts has been working in one of the studios located in Broedplaats Bouw. Architectural structures are a recurring theme in his oeuvre, which is also the case for this exhibition. Aarts says about his structures: “I conceive of buildings much more as personalities rather than architectural designs.” The period in which Aarts was living in Brazil is also reflected in this exposition. The typical colonial baroque churches that Aarts paints are remarkable with their bright colors and decorations. The interior space of the churches are also visible, with an almost ‘Piero de la Francesca’-like treatment of space and perspective. Furthermore, the exhibition shows portraits that we are used to seeing from Aarts. Often black and white. The overarching title of these portraits is ‘Goodboysbadgirls’ or ‘Missing’. Aarts: “It should actually be ‘Goodboysbadgirlsbadboysgoodgirls’, but that is too long, so I just shortened it to: ‘Goodboysbadgirls’.” Good and evil blend together. Guilt and innocence are not unambiguously. This exposition was an unquestionable shelter against the autumnal storms outside, especially during this time of the year — both literally as figuratively. Submerge yourself in the world of Aarts, in his ‘Private Universe’, as he likes to describe his own artistic garden.