Energetically Painted Silenced Scenes

by Hilde Goossens

Artist: Hilde Goossens

I paint characters in waiting rooms or transit zones, and scenes of waiting crowds. My goal is
to paint an impression that insinuates and suggests rather than defines, so the viewer has
the task to search and decide for himself what he or she sees.

My preferred material is acrylic paint, and I really enjoy the process of mixing colors. The
typical process is to dilute my paint with water and add (a) drop(s) of black Chinese ink
rendering toned-down and mostly transparent colors. In my work, I am well aware of the
opaque/transparent properties of the colors, and I use them smartly. However, I have a
strong preference for transparent paint as it gives the opportunity to add many layers and
suggest even more.

Because I love to experiment, I often add collage and photography to my work, but the result
of these experiments always ends as a painting. When I use photography under my paint, it
makes these artworks more realistic, but realism is not what I’m looking for, simplification
and a step towards abstraction is what I’m looking for. When I’m painting, I’m envisioning
that I’m watching a moment of scene with my eyes almost closed so I can remove details but
still capture the essence of the scene and its characters.