Luc Tuymans, Wenn der Frühling kommt

Luc Tuymans’ portfolio Wenn der Frühling kommt (When Spring Comes) was published on the occasion of the homonymous retrospective at Haus der Kunst, Munich, in 2008.  The exhibition showed a comprehensive overview of Tuymans’ body of work. One of his generation’s most important painters, Tuymans became known for his paintings of political and historical events. In his distinctive muted color palette, Luc Tuymans creates images of collective memory, including historical motifs and those of everyday life.

“An artwork should point in more than one direction, not be this sort of placating, self-demonstrating, witnessing element.” – Luc Tuymans

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, Wenn der Frühling kommt