Raoul De Keyser’s paintings are a world of their own, each canvas a universe teeming with activity. In his current exhibition, “Touch Game,” at David Zwirner Gallery, curator Helen Molesworth aptly describes De Keyser’s work as halting the human impulse to find meaning. These paintings are enigmatic abstractions, devoid of the structured composition found in Abstract Expressionist works. Instead, they hint at an inner logic that animates their trembling lines, floating shapes, and ethereal washes of color.
Take, for example, “Blue Note” (2006), a painting dominated by a rich azure background with visible brushstrokes that suggest both the artist’s hand and the movement of waves. Amidst this sea of blue, a white form near the bottom edge disrupts the composition’s balance, creating a sense of dissonance that defies easy interpretation. Similarly, in “Untitled (Speed)” (1995), a row of green diamonds on a white ground appears to be in motion, as if racing towards an unseen destination. The deliberate smearing of the composition adds a layer of mystery and aesthetic tension that challenges traditional notions of value in art.
De Keyser’s paintings, such as “Proloog” and “Clos” (both 2003), feature green shapes that seem to float aimlessly on a neutral background, inviting viewers to engage in a quiet drama of observation. As the artist himself once noted, he always sought forms of waywardness in his work, embracing the inherent ambiguity that defines his paintings. This sense of waywardness, coupled with the unspoken logic that underpins each piece, allows the viewer to interpret the works freely, without the constraints of traditional narrative or symbolism.
In the words of De Keyser, “I … always searched for forms of waywardness.” His paintings challenge the viewer to embrace the ambiguity and awkwardness that define his work, encouraging a liberating sense of interpretation. “Touch Game” is a testament to De Keyser’s unique vision and his ability to create art that transcends conventional boundaries.
The exhibition “Raoul De Keyser: Touch Game” is currently on display at David Zwirner Gallery in Chelsea, Manhattan, until March 1. Curated by Helen Molesworth, this showcase of De Keyser’s work offers a glimpse into the artist’s enigmatic world, inviting viewers to explore the beauty of ambiguity and the power of visual storytelling.
