Luc Tuymans, Superstition

Luc Tuymans’ Superstition is based on his oil painting from 1994, measuring 46.7 x 41.9 cm. It was first exhibited at his Superstition shows at Portikus in Frankfurt am Main (August 19 – August 22 1994) and at David Zwirner in New York (October 29 – December 3 1994). In 2004, the painting was exhibited as part of Luc Tuymans’ mid-career retrospective at the Tate Modern in London (23 June – 26 September 2004).

“Tuymans has described Superstition as a painting about art and transgression. He has said that he often makes his paintings appear clumsy, and ‘deprived of aesthetics’ so that there is more focus on meaning: ‘Superstition could be a nom de plume for art. Art that transgresses, that transmits. The insect in Superstition sucks you in. It’s almost shamanistic.’” – Tate Modern, 2004.

“The insect (“Superstition”) with its incredible size and color, covers the figure, like a projected black-out of the spectator. Is the insect as a species not the element ‘par excellence’ to translate anonymity? The grateful image offers the determined shape and enormity of a hostile mutant. He or she, who suffers from arachnophobia, unconsciously enlarges the real subject of their fear to unknown proportions. The insect hides this surrender.” – Robert Van Ruysevelt in “Superstition. Luc Tuymans”, Portikus, Frankfurt am Main, 1994.

Belgian artist Luc Tuymans, born 1958 in Mortsel, stands out as a seminal figure in contemporary painting, renowned for his influential and distinctive style that has shaped the visual arts landscape. Known for employing a muted palette dominated by pale pastel shades and frequently incorporating brown or grey undertones, Tuymans crafts an atmosphere that is both subtle and deeply expressive in his artworks. His paintings often emerge from small-format canvases, where everyday objects, architectural details, fragmented landscapes, and mask-like human figures become the subjects of his intense scrutiny. Luc Tuymans’ unique approach to painting often involves the use of pre-existing images sourced from photographs, film, and television. This methodology allows him to engage with historically charged themes through a lens that is both reflective and critical. By reinterpreting these second-hand images, Tuymans explores the complex interplay between memory and visual representation, challenging viewers to reconsider their perceptions of significant historical events. His artwork delves into potent subjects such as the world wars, Belgian colonial history, and the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, providing a meditative space to contemplate the impact of these events on collective memory and cultural identity. Moreover, Luc Tuymans extends his artistic vision through limited edition prints, making his thoughtful investigations into history and memory more accessible to a broader audience. These limited editions encapsulate the essence of his painting practice, offering the same muted color schemes and contemplative subject matter as his original paintings. Through both his paintings and prints, the Belgian painter continues to be a driving force in contemporary art, using his distinctive style to provoke dialogue and reflection on the narratives that shape our understanding of the past and present. His celebrated and critically acclaimed artworks have found their place in major museum collections across the globe. These include prestigious institutions such as the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris; The Museum of Modern Art in New York; The National Museum of Art in Osaka; Pinakothek der Moderne in Munich; the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, and the Tate in London. This international recognition underscores the impact and importance of Tuymans’ contributions to contemporary art.

Luc Tuymans, Superstition