Klaas Gubbels for instance, one of the more remarkable contemporary Dutch painters, whose his art work limits itself to just three rather ordinary themes: tables, chairs and coffeepots. These themes always come back in a more or less similar and simplified or abstract form. At the same time, he uses a wide range of techniques and materials to construct his art works, like photography, litho, wood cut, mural, collage, objet trouvé, glass and metal. The variation is therefore in the material. Variation as well on the technical side, the way he uses the paint, the texture. He restricts the form, usually abstract, to the utmost minimum. Still he has an eye for detail, even in his huge paintings…...
In a recent interview he stated that his tables and coffeepots have character. He does not consider them as objects, bus as primitive living beings. Their form develops through time and under the influence of his mood.
One can reflect on the question if the experience of a painted coffeepot will differ from a wooden or metal one. I am inclined to confirm that: the art work is an entity that brings the different components together. Vary one component and the whole of the art work will vary. Picasso said, more paintings of one theme indicates that there are more truths possible about that theme.Does Gubbels have some kind of obsession with these three themes? Or just a lack of imagination……? Whatever the case, his sober art style does inspire many artists.