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Ralf Heynen
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Biography
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I am Ralf Heynen alias Ranonus, a Dutch painter.
I was born in 1978 in the small town of Tegelen, close to the border with germany. After secondary education, where I had arts as a minor, I went to Nijmegen, a town with a hisory dating back to the roman ages. There I studied cultural anthropology at the university for a couple of years. Because of my bad eyes, I did not finish my study, but I learned a lot from this time.
Meanwhile I had begun to paint in my room. At first just copies of pictures I made on several holidays. Later I discovered the works of 17th century masters as a source of inspiration. It was an exciting time. Back in 2003 I put aside the acrylic paint and started experimenting with oils. This was an important step ahead in my learning process. I have also been inspired by visits to a famous Dutch still life painter (Cees le Mair).
Then, quite abruptly, I rediscovered my love for Oriental architecture. From that moment I taught myself to paint exquisit ornaments and worn structures. Sometimes with beautifully dressed women, but also without any figures, or with hidden spirits.
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Statement
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Here you can see my work. Realistic oilpaintings inspired by the hidden secrets of the Orient. What happens behind those closed doors, or what is kept behind these windows? Questions that might remain unanswered, unless you look closer.
I have always been interested in old and worn buildings. In the refined details of Indian haveli's and rajput palaces One can still experience the splendid lifestyle of the former elite. The walls and archways are the silent narrators of stories of love and loss.
Armenian monasteries on the other hand, where lives of worship have been lived in modesty for centuries, breathe a different atmosphere. Buildings made just as solid as the surrounding landscape. Still standing strong after many earthquakes. Divine light shines through the small windows and doors.
I have also developed a classical style of portraiture. I like to depict people the way they are. Pureness in a portait shows the true nature of a person. Therefore I prefer to see my models in person before painting portraits on commission.
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Exhibitions
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Exhibitions (a selection):
Solo-exhibitions:
September 2003: Collegezalencomplex, University of Nijmegen
November 2004 - April 2005: Stadsschouwburg Eindhoven
December 2005: Kasteeltuinen Arcen
Group exhibitions:
May - June 2004: Gallery de Kunstetages, Panningen
September 2004: en nu kunst!, Woerden
June 2005: Het zuidelijk realisme, Ubbergen
June - August 2006: Het zuidelijk realisme II, Ubbergen
October 2006: Rembrandt in Brabant, Galerie Donkersvoort, Beek en Donk
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Next Artist: D is Like