ARNE QUINZE
HIDDEN BEAUTY

LUDWIG MUSEUM, KOBLENZ, GERMANY
22 SEPTEMBER – 24 NOVEMBER 2024

The Ludwig Museum will present a solo show of Quinze's latest large-scale oil paintings on canvas and a large immersive room featuring a mixed-media installation."With 'Secret Beauty,' I want to delve deep into the hidden beauty of Nature. I function as an archivist of nature, meticulously recording the delicate balance of existence – from vibrant blooms to inevitable decay. At the core of 'Secret Beauty' lies a profound truth: that nature is the ultimate artist, and humanity, its humble interpreters." – Arne Quinze

Arne Quinze, born in Gent, Belgium, is an artist whose work bridges the realms of nature and urbanity. His artistic journey began amidst the lush landscapes of the Flemish polders, where he found endless inspiration in nature. This profound reverence for the natural world, instilled during his rural upbringing, sharply contrasted with the sterile urban environment he encountered when his family moved to Brussels. It was in these grey streets that Quinze found refuge in rebellion, infusing the cityscape with bursts of color and energy through street art. Influenced by the underground culture of the ‘80s, experimental electronic music, and Manga Anime culture, Quinze began merging the vibrancy of the digital era with the diversity of nature, transforming urban spaces into vibrant canvases of expression.

For over three decades, Quinze has dedicated his work to exploring the intricate relationship between nature and human-made environments. His mission is clear – to reintroduce us to the awe-inspiring beauty and often overlooked magnificence of nature.

The ground level features a fully immersive art installation, blending mixed media sculptural elements with a four-axis video, audio, and light multimedia installation driven by AI. This installation delves into Quinze’s research and deep interest in the future relationship between nature and humanity, posing poignant questions: Will we, as humans, further alienate ourselves, or will we find a renewed connection with the natural realm? By creating a fully immersive installation that integrates Arne Quinze’s spatial sculptural objects with a dynamic interplay of light and soundscape, Secret Beauty aims to rekindle the forgotten experience of pure awe. This emotional impact, characterized by reverence, wonder, and amazement, has dwindled as we’ve distanced ourselves from nature. The installation endeavors to reignite this intricate response, often sparked by powerful yet delicate encounters with natural phenomena. Quinze’s vision for urban landscapes as "Cities as Open Air Museums" seeks to foster a harmonious dialogue between urban life and nature. His installations symbolize nature’s resurgence amidst concrete jungles, guiding us on a journey toward equilibrium. This immersive experience, where sound creation and dimensional sculpting intertwine, invites us to reconnect with the raw power and beauty of the natural world.

© Images by Dave Bruel

On the second floor, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in a series of large-scale oil paintings unveiled to the public for the first time. These works mark a new chapter in Quinze's artistic journey, delving deeper into his connection with the secret beauty of nature. They eloquently explore the delicate balance of nature’s beauty, capturing the harmonious interplay between power and fragility, and focusing on the architectural marvels that the natural world manifests. Drawing inspiration from the wildflower garden in his atelier, a sanctuary of biodiversity cultivated over a decade, Quinze documents life’s essence in all its forms—from vibrant blooms to inevitable decay. He doesn’t merely depict flowers, plants, and hedges but aims to portray their powerful dialogue, transcending the pictorial realm and conveying a profound impression. Much like his inspiration, the Impressionists, Quinze’s artworks are imbued with the essential elements of light and color. Through unconventional compositions, he infuses his paintings with dynamic life, striving to reflect nature’s unbridled beauty. He adeptly conveys movement and spontaneity in his pieces, mirroring the vibrant energy of the natural world. Quinze prioritizes atmosphere and mood, evoking a sense of ambiance through the use of light, color, and composition.