Pictorial Space as a Constructed Environment
Luc Hoekx’s artistic practice is an ongoing exploration of pictorial space, a concept he approaches as more than just a two-dimensional surface. His paintings challenge conventional spatial perception, transforming flat compositions into intricate environments where depth, layering, and structure intersect. His fascination with spatial relationships drives a meticulous process of experimentation, where different supports, types of paint, and graphical materials contribute to an evolving visual language. Through contrasts in color, texture, and transparency, he creates works that blur the boundaries between the tangible and the illusory, demanding an active engagement from the viewer.
A central element in Hoekx’s compositions is the grid, which serves as both an underlying structure and a flexible framework for intuitive exploration. Initially providing a sense of order, the grid functions as a foundation upon which geometric and lyrical elements interact. Some shapes reinforce its architectural precision, while others disrupt its rigidity, introducing movement and unpredictability. This balance between control and spontaneity is fundamental to his approach, allowing his compositions to evolve dynamically rather than adhering strictly to predefined structures. The contrast between precision and fluidity imbues his work with a sense of tension, where rigid frameworks coexist with expressive gestures.
Architectural influences play a crucial role in Hoekx’s artistic sensibility, particularly his engagement with Brutalist and Bauhaus aesthetics. The raw materiality and geometric clarity characteristic of these architectural movements resonate deeply within his work, informing both compositional decisions and spatial considerations. He often references architectural perspectives—overhead views, frontal elevations, or overlapping planes—to evoke a sense of enclosure and dimensionality. His paintings do not merely depict space; they construct it, compelling viewers to navigate shifting perspectives and confront the interplay between solidity and void.
Luc Hoekx: Transparency, Depth, and Material Exploration
One of the defining aspects of Hoekx’s work is his use of acrylic glass panels, a material that extends his interest in transparency, layering, and depth beyond the limitations of traditional canvas. By painting on both the front and back surfaces, he introduces a physical dimension to his compositions, embedding spatial relationships within the material itself. This process creates concealed layers that may not be immediately visible, yet subtly influence the overall perception of depth. The translucency of the acrylic allows for nuanced shifts in opacity as layers accumulate, generating a complex visual interplay between foreground and background.
This material choice also contributes to the ambiguity that defines many of Hoekx’s works, where perspective is both an invitation and a challenge. His compositions often contain elements that suggest entry points into space, while others act as barriers, obstructing direct access. This intentional duality encourages viewers to navigate his work actively, questioning their own perception of what is solid, what is transparent, and where the boundaries of the composition truly lie. By constructing these spatial enigmas, Hoekx invites an immersive experience rather than a passive observation.
The interaction between light and surface further enhances the depth within his pieces. Depending on the angle of observation, different layers become more or less visible, allowing the work to shift in appearance as the viewer moves. This dynamic quality reinforces the idea that space within Hoekx’s compositions is not static but continuously unfolding. The act of looking becomes an exploration in itself, where depth is not merely suggested but embedded within the very structure of the artwork.
The Role of Color and Collage in Spatial Composition
While structure and materiality define Hoekx’s approach, his deliberate use of color plays an equally significant role in shaping spatial relationships. His palette is often restrained, consisting of monochromes, earthy tones, and carefully selected vibrant hues. By limiting his color choices, he ensures that the structural elements remain the focal point rather than being overwhelmed by chromatic intensity. When brighter colors do appear, they serve a precise function—enhancing contrast, introducing visual tension, or emphasizing specific spatial interactions within the composition.
Beyond painting, Hoekx also explores spatial abstraction through collage, a medium that allows for a different kind of layering and construction. While his acrylic glass works rely on physical transparency, his collages on paper achieve a sense of depth through the overlapping of cut elements. These compositions often convey a floating or suspended quality, where shapes appear to hover within the frame rather than resting on a single plane. Despite their smaller scale, these works retain the same architectural sensibility and structural deliberation that define his larger pieces.
The dialogue between control and spontaneity is evident across all of Hoekx’s work, whether in painting or collage. His process begins with a clear structural foundation, but the development of each piece is guided by intuitive decisions—whether to obscure or reveal a particular layer, whether to maintain or disrupt a compositional balance. This interplay between order and fluidity mirrors his engagement with architectural form, where rigid frameworks coexist with expressive, dynamic elements. Through this balance, he constructs visual environments that remain open to interpretation, allowing each viewer to navigate them in a unique way.
Luc Hoekx: Abstraction as a Spatial Investigation
Hoekx’s artistic philosophy aligns with modernist ideals of pure abstraction, drawing inspiration from movements such as Constructivism and Bauhaus. However, his approach is deeply personal, driven not by strict adherence to formal principles but by an ongoing inquiry into the nature of space itself. His works are not mere representations but active investigations, questioning how abstraction can shape and redefine spatial perception. By manipulating structural elements, materiality, and color relationships, he constructs a visual language that is both analytical and immersive.
His extensive exhibition history, both in Belgium and internationally, has provided opportunities to engage with diverse spatial contexts, each influencing his perception of how space interacts with artwork. Different gallery settings, lighting conditions, and audience perspectives continually inform his practice, prompting him to refine his approach to presentation and composition. Engaging with curators, artists, and architectural environments allows him to expand the dialogue between his work and its surroundings, reinforcing the idea that space is not merely depicted but actively constructed.
As he continues to push the boundaries of his artistic practice, Hoekx remains committed to exploring new ways of engaging with spatiality and materiality. He is particularly interested in further investigating transparency and layering, potentially incorporating three-dimensional elements into his compositions. Upcoming projects will explore how his work interacts with specific architectural spaces, emphasizing the relationship between artwork and environment. For Hoekx, the act of creation is an ongoing process of discovery, where each piece offers a new opportunity to challenge and redefine the perception of space.
