Cancan., 2023

Bernadette Van Baarsen   New & remarkable Artists

Contemporary abstract expressionist oil on canvas of a Provençal landscape 'Cancan' by Dutch artist Bernadette Van Baarsen. Signed and dated to the bottom right and presented in  silver and black caisse americaine frame. The painting comes with a certificate of authenticity from the gallery.

One of a new series of exciting, colourful, innovative and expressive works offering views of the landscape of Provence. Bernadette has taken and amplified the beautiful light in this wonderful part of the world breaking it down into its myriad components resulting in an explosion of colour. This is Provence in the intense light of mid summer.

This artwork captures an abstract landscape brimming with vibrant energy and movement. Dominated by swirling, fluid lines, the scene draws the viewer into a dynamic, otherworldly terrain. Bold, angular shapes form a winding pathway that leads the eye through the painting, flanked by vivid greens, fiery oranges, and deep blues. The striking blue vertical elements evoke a surreal forest or architectural forms, sharply contrasting the wavy textures around them. The composition is framed by rugged, colorful cliffs that suggest depth and dimension. The sky, a soft blend of warm hues, adds a dreamlike quality, harmonizing with the vibrant foreground. The artist masterfully balances chaos and coherence, creating a visually captivating experience that pushes the boundaries of traditional landscape art. This painting is a testament to the power of color and form in evoking emotional and imaginative responses.

Bernadette ('Berna', as she autographs her works) VAN BAARSEN was born and raised in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. After finishing her high-school she followed trainings to be a nurse and architect, whilst at the same time being a lead singer in two Dutch punk bands and making sculptures in plexiglass. Later in life she decided to pursue an academic career and obtained a PhD in psychology and medical ethics. She worked as associate professor at the Free University of Amsterdam and was member of several high-level medical-ethical committees. In 2015 she settled in France. Being essentially autodidact, she took up painting, in particular after being inspired by the Provençal landscape and friendships with fellow artists. In recent years she has shown her work at successful exhibitions in Provence.