Artist Feature - KRISTOF SANTY
Kristof Santy in his studio.
EVOKING SCENES AND OBJECTS FROM EVERYDAY LIFE, PAINTER KRISTOF SANTY TRANSFORMS THESE SUBTLE MOMENTS INTO PLAYFUL YET SOPHISTICATED WORKS OF ART.
Rooted in tradition and local customs, the work of Kristof Santy ( b. 1987 Roeselare, Belgium) is a rich and varied visual collection of elements from everyday life. Kristof maintains that his work is non-narrative as he does not view himself as a storyteller, instead he allows the imagery to speak for itself. By employing a stylistic realism in his paintings, Kristof’s subjects are given a depth that is both thought provoking and emotive.
Thematically ranging from still lifes to kaleidoscopic compositions, Kristof’s artistic practice covers a multitude of enigmatic imagery. Rendered in bright and vivid palettes, his works possess a joyous and playful quality. The intricate compositions, characterized by their color-blocked flat planes, captivate the viewer and encourage them to embark on an entrancing journey into a stylized world.
We chatted with Kristof about his inspiration and creative process in turning everyday objects into captivating works of art.
What most interested you in collaborating with Parkside to transform your paintings into jigsaw puzzles?
It just seemed like a fun idea. Also, the other puzzles of Parkside looked very good and the organization was very professional. I get lots of questions from people if they can buy a print from my work, and a puzzle seemed so much more original to offer to people who like my work.
You draw a lot of inspiration from everyday life and the objects that are a part of it, can you tell us more about what draws you to certain objects?
It’s like the idea comes to me. I might be at the kitchen table, walking in the city, playing with my daughter, … and all of a sudden I see a certain composition or object that draws my attention.
Bloemstuk met Handspuit - 2023
Can you tell us about your process from concept to finished painting?
I never paint from a photograph, I only use the memory of a particular moment. After this I make a quick sketch and immediately start the first layer of the painting. The composition often changes several times, until the painting is totally right for me. So it can stay in the studio for months until it works. What happens in the meantime is what the painting asks of me, it’s intuitive.
Kristof Santy puzzle titled Sardienen met Kerstomatenavailable here.
Ezel - 2024
Roodbruin van de Tap - 2023
What initially inspired you to pursue a creative path in life?
Being the way I am, was not a choice. I always had a certain eye for things and even when I was a kid I was obsessed with drawing and painting. But I never went to art school. My parents were convinced I should have a ‘real’ degree so I could have a steady income. They didn’t see a future for me in the art world. So I started painting again when I was about 25 and it was the art world that found me 10 years later, not the other way around. I never pursued being a full time artist, but now I am very happy with it.
Your work is equally playful and sophisticated. This seems like a hard balance to reach, but you have done it very successfully. How did you develop your aesthetic? How has it evolved over time?
Over the past 10 years I had so many different styles: hyperrealistic, abstract, … name it I tried it. The goal was to understand how works are made, that was very interesting to me. Going through art history, I got to know so many new artists and it was intriguing to try what they tried. After discovering the work of the artist Jean Brusselmans, I saw the beauty of the everyday life. It fits me very well, I’m a homester, I don’t like to travel, I love simple things and my immediate surroundings. My music, my studio, … It’s my biggest joy and inspiration.
Koude schotel - 2024
If you could be part of a group exhibition with any 3 artists (alive or dead) who would you choose and why?
I would choose Brancusi sculptures, the beautiful video art of Francis Alÿs and the art brut of outsider artist André Robillard. In a certain way I feel connected to these artists and there view on things.
Do you have any exhibitions coming up that we can share with our readers?
I have a show at Casa MB Milan in November 2024. But after 3 busy years I will take a year off to focus on myself and my work. The next solo exhibition is planned for 2026.
Coeur de boeuf - 2023