When you stand in front of a work by Eefje Van den Brande, the first thing you see is a frenetic explosion of colour. It takes some time to process all the visual stimuli that come at you in one uncontrolled rush. Once your brain has had a chance to settle, you can start exploring. Fabulous creatures, swinging vines, spiral staircases and Rorschach blots take you on a journey through personal and collective rebirth.

 

It always starts with a stain, made with ecoline. Once it has dried in its own unique way on a layer of acrylic, Eefje Van den Brande picks up her brush. She closes her eyes and, in a fluid, intuitive movement, applies a number of winding, brightly coloured lines. She does not shy away from fluorescent colours either. Then she listens to the canvas, to the form. What does it still need, what presents itself? Which shadows or symbols emerge? It could be a bird, a face, a horse, an outstretched hand, a skull, and usually a hybrid of everything. Figuration and abstraction blend into a chimera that could only have been created in her own imagination.

​

Eefje Van den Brande also visualises colours in advance, before she makes her way to the canvas. What will work and what won't? It is a constant conversation between the artist and her work. Sometimes the conversation falls silent, and the fear of failure takes over for a moment. Thought intervenes and stops the unconscious flow. Then the painting is allowed to rest for a few days, waiting for a new, unburdened perspective. Finally, confidence returns and the last, often very exuberant touches follow. She is guided, allows herself to be guided. Time and again, the artist goes through this intensive process, like a phoenix, rising with each painting from doubt and hesitation.

 

Feeling is a guiding principle, as is her love for animals, with which she has a deep, natural connection. Often, it is only afterwards that it becomes clear which emotion has worked its way to the surface from her subconscious. The paintings are mirrors that tell her something about her soul. The shadows of the past are still visible in some dark spots, but they are firmly countered by cheerfulness. Eefje Van den Brande's works give you energy, recharge your batteries, and light up your body, heart, and mind. As they are open to multiple interpretations, they are also a mirror for you as a viewer.

 

​​

Annelies A.A. Vanbelle, Art journalist The Art Couch

​