‘Kamikaze’ describes the artist’s drastic working methods and results, a basic precept of which is that creativity is only possible through the deliberate destruction of what has gone before.

Going beyond any single artistic ‘style’, Vandenberg created complex images of our times which resonate with both contemporary pertinence and existential significance. Early figurative depictions are supplanted by Expressionist renderings, monochromatic pictures and abstract geometric overpaintings follow on the heels of graffiti-like pieces.

In his final years, Vandenberg engaged with words and sentence fragments in his images. Literature and art history, myths and legends as well as current world events find expression in his art. He tells of the dark side of humanity, of hatred and violence, coldness and persecution, but also of interpersonal intimacy and participation.

English and German text.

Accompanies the exhibition ‘Philippe Vandenberg: Kamikaze’ 16 Nov 2018 – 24 Feb 2019, Hamburger Kunsthalle, Hamburg, which then travels to  Pasquart Kunsthaus in Biel/Bienne (Switzerland).

Co-published with Kannibaal.