‘It is a complex theory that I wish to capture in one image’
The images Ger Eikendal (Groningen, 1954) paints are not obvious images. Dilapidated buildings, torn posters, and big industrial complexes are depicted on his canvasses. The theme in his work has a social relevant content in which he depicts a Special Forces officer with ‘Coca-Cola’ on his shield, or an image where the statue of Liberty is surrounded by an oil refinery. Through these images Eikendal tries to convey his critical opinion on these subjects.
From a young age it became clear that Ger Eikendal had a talent for drawing. In Groningen he studied sociology as well as drawing. His interest in politics and his urge to criticize social and political conditions developed throughout his studies. Eventually Eikendal fully focused on drawing and he visited the atelier of Gerrie Wachtmeester once a week. There he was taught the techniques and the craftsmanship of painting. Wachtmeester introduced Eikendal to Galerie Mokum and once he joined the group of painters at our gallery, he mentioned that he started to believe in his work.
Through observing the works of Eikendal, you start thinking about the contemporary political and social subjects that are present in our society. The artist feels mainly attracted to the German art movement from the 1930’s called ‘critical realism’ where they tried to confront and make people more aware of social and political situations through provoking imagery. Eikendal, through his work, tries to narrow the gap between society and art as well as making his themes and symbolism legible for a bigger audience. It is important to him that people become aware of their environment and therefore he has to stay approachable to his viewers: ‘I try to tell something through recognizable symbolism. I would have surpassed my goal if books were needed to understand my paintings’. The title is an important part of the painting, it directs towards the meaning of the painting yet leaving plenty of space for your own interpretation.