My recent work mainly consists of large, "landscape" paintings, and smaller paintings with loose small / isolated objects. The work is clearly based on recreation and leisure, and contains strong decorative content. I mainly focus on surreal situations in everyday reality... Tourist attractions, Places Of Interest, bars and restaurants, which are typical for (the south of) The Netherlands. Here I import the world of digital media into painting and vice versa. The series entitled "Re-creation" could therefore be taken literally: all situations used as a starting point, are reconstructed in 3D software (Blender). These virtual models turn into sketch material. Sometimes, settings are pulled apart, which heightens the artificial and decor-like character of the  digital imagery I use. The objects in the smaller paintings are presented on a reflective "I-Tunes floor": a presentation form that's commonly known in commercials and product visualizations.

© Michiel van der Zanden, 2012