BARRELEYE FISH – LUMINOUS DEPTHS Painting

Frank Willems creates art that is constantly evolving. His style is an eclectic mix of urban art, pop art, and neo-expressionism, in which he plays with visual language and text as an image. His work moves between humor and seriousness, chaos and structure, reality and absurdity. Willems works intuitively and spontaneously, driven by an unstoppable work ethic and a desire to break free from conventions. Discarded materials, especially reclaimed wood, form the foundation of his work. Not only for sustainability reasons but also for their raw, lived-in appearance, which adds depth to his compositions. He embraces the imperfections of the material and incorporates them into his expressive visual language, where cartoonish figures, skeletal forms, and animals frequently appear. His work is playful and colorful, yet beneath the cheerful exterior often lies a deeper, sometimes confrontational layer. Nostalgia plays a significant role in his art. Willems draws inspiration from the spirit of the times, his fears, and memories of the past. He magnifies everyday subjects, distorts them, and transforms them into a visual language that feels both familiar and alienating. Text plays an essential visual role, with his consistent use of an inverted letter ‘e’ and crossed-out words. These elements are more than just stylistic choices; they spark curiosity, inviting the viewer to look further, search for hidden meanings, and question conventions in a playful manner. His work is bold, expressive, and confrontational—yet always infused with humor. He challenges the viewer with absurd contrasts, satire, and self-mockery. Themes such as sex, consumer society, social dynamics, and the human psyche are presented in a playful yet sharp manner. He creates art that is not only visually striking but also carries a deeper meaning that reveals itself upon closer inspection. Frank Willems’ work has been exhibited in the Netherlands, Germany, and the United States and has been auctioned by Christie’s. He regularly participates in KunstRai Amsterdam and has completed a residency at Sofitel Legend The Grand. His work is owned by collectors worldwide and can be found in galleries, private homes, and even public spaces. Through his art, Willems seeks not only to tell stories but also to challenge, provoke, and push people out of their comfort zones. His works feel like organized chaos, where humor and depth come together.