The Intersection of Life and Art in The Hague
Lucas Thorik, a Dutch abstract artist, stands out for his large-scale canvases that deftly merge art, design, psychology, and music. Based in The Hague, his works are not just visual experiences but also reflections of his diverse life experiences. Thorik’s path as an artist is unconventional, shaped by his time immersed in countercultures ranging from surfing to DJing. These formative years, spent living within subcultures, created a foundation for Thorik’s holistic approach to both life and art, where he seeks to “work to live” rather than the other way around. His time spent as a DJ during the height of the Techno era has had a particularly profound influence on his artistic practice.
Thorik’s canvases, though serene at first glance, reflect a more complex reality. He resists the polished perfection often curated on social media, favoring instead an authentic portrayal of the raw and unfiltered. His compositions invite viewers to look deeper, where they can explore the layered and imperfect aspects of the human experience. Thorik doesn’t aim to depict a flawless world but rather one that, like his paintings, is filled with rough edges and open to interpretation.
Lucas Thorik: The Symphony of Paint and Sound
Thorik actively avoids the conventional route of seeking inspiration from art history, instead, choosing to rely on his personal experiences and the music that has been a constant in his life. His abstract works are untitled, allowing viewers the freedom to interpret them without preconceived notions. While his process is highly individual, the traces of his musical influences are unmistakable. The earthy tones, ecru shades, and misty blues he applies to his canvases are like visual echoes of the sound frequencies from Techno and House music, genres that were central to his years as a DJ. The rhythmic layering of colors builds a visual symphony, creating an interplay between gritty urban textures and the luminous energy of neon sprays.
This musical connection is not incidental—Thorik’s painting process is deeply tied to the spontaneity of sound. The neon hues that punctuate his canvases mirror the unexpected glitches in live DJ sets, a technique that dates back to his teenage years when he used spray-paint to create designs on surf T-shirts. Thorik’s use of stencils, a carryover from those early days, continues to shape his compositions. This layered approach reflects the continuous evolution of both his art and his life, with each painting embodying the many incarnations that make up his journey.
Creating Balance in Chaos
The concept of balance is central to Thorik’s artistic philosophy. His canvases explore equilibrium not only in the literal sense, with the contrast of texture, size, and color, but also as a reflection of his pursuit of internal stability. His works are often composed of impasto white plaster, applied thickly and then softened by misty layers of spray paint. The juxtaposition of coarse materials with vibrant neon colors creates a visual tension that speaks to the artist’s desire to find harmony amid chaos.
Thorik’s creative process is fluid and intuitive. Working with multiple canvases at a time, he approaches each painting as part of a larger series, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic across his body of work. His canvases are often placed directly on the floor, allowing him to engage physically with his materials and maintain a direct, visceral connection to the work. This approach results in dynamic compositions where every element is meticulously balanced, from the smallest detail to the grand scale of his vast canvases.
Lucas Thorik: A Global Perspective from The Hague
While Thorik calls The Hague home, his work resonates far beyond the borders of the Dutch art scene. His universal approach to aesthetics considers the impact of his work on the entire space it inhabits, as well as on the viewer’s experience within that space. Despite his reluctance to be influenced by traditional art movements, Thorik’s works have found their place on the international stage, gaining attention not only in his home country but also in key art markets around the world.
Thorik’s recent residency at London’s ARX Gallery marked a significant moment in his career, providing him with an expansive studio space to experiment with larger-scale pieces and explore new creative directions. During the residency, Thorik embraced the challenge of working in a different environment, allowing the surrounding architecture and energy of the city to influence his work. The result was a body of vibrant, high-energy pieces that pushed the boundaries of his usual style, incorporating more overt forms and brighter colors.
Now recognized as an emerging talent on the global art scene, Thorik is poised for even greater recognition. His work continues to evolve, and his solo exhibition, “Equilibrium,” explores the delicate balance between opposing forces—a theme that permeates his entire artistic practice. As he moves forward, Thorik’s commitment to authenticity and his raw, multi-dimensional approach to abstract art will undoubtedly continue to resonate with audiences across the world.
