Many Eastern religions, such as Taoism or Zen Buddhism, convey the idea that simplicity is fundamental in articulating profound concepts. Likewise Dutch artist Marjolijn Oude Vrielink speaks volumes to us through her elegantly austere drawings and paintings. These are beautiful large scale works that speak in whispers. Oude Vrielink’s work can be divided into two categories: black and white linear figures crafted in charcoal and ink on paper, and enthralling minimalist compositions painted in oil on linen. In these she works with colors or monochrome to achieve a marvelous sense of cleanness and balance. Her figures are extremely tall and thin, created with spidery lines and light washes. Erect and steadfast, the poses and discernible features are limited. Instead dramatic linework records each figure’s formation, indicating that our personas are more fluid than static. Oude Vrielink’s paintings are characterized by the artist’s interest in the inner world of the human being, and inspire quiet introspection through pure color harmonies and elemental geometric configurations.
Marjolijn Oude Vrielink has exhibited frequently in the Netherlands and New York.