The Art of Johan van der Dong

The art of Johan van der Dong

https://www.johanvanderdong.nl

The art of Johan van der Dong is a unique and captivating expression of the human experience. As a professional artist, he has gained worldwide recognition for his ability to capture the essence of a moment and convey it through his paintings. His work has been exhibited in major galleries and museums around the globe, and he has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the art world. Born in Groningen in 1962, Johan van der Dong showed an early interest in art and began honing his skills as a painter at a young age. He was inspired by artists such as Edvard Munch and Anselm Kiefer, as well as the Impressionists and Expressionists of the 19th and 20th centuries. This diverse range of influences is evident in his work, which blends classical technique with modern sensibility.

One of the defining characteristics of Johan van der Dong’s art is his use of light and color. He has an incredible ability to capture the subtle nuances of light and shadow, creating a sense of depth and dimensionality in his paintings. His use of color is equally impressive, with vibrant hues and bold contrasts that infuse his work with a sense of vitality and energy.

Another hallmark of Johan van der Dong’s art is his ability to convey emotion and mood through his paintings. Whether he is painting a landscape, a portrait, or a still life, he imbues his subjects with a sense of life and vitality that is both captivating and moving. His paintings are not simply representations of reality, but rather interpretations of the world around us, filtered through his unique perspective. Johan van der Dong’s work has been exhibited in major galleries and museums around the world, including the Louvre in Paris, the Tate Modern in London. He has received numerous exhibitions to the art world, including Passion for Freedom in London for example. In conclusion, the art of Johan van der Dong is a testament to the power of painting to capture the essence of the human experience. His ability to create vivid, powerful images that convey emotion and mood is a testament to his skill as a painter, and his work has earned him a place among the world’s most renowned artists.

Whether you are a lover of classical art or contemporary painting, Johan van der Dong’s work is sure to captivate and inspire you with its beauty and depth

He had several projects which became World famous like the P.O Box of God and Gods Hotline he received worldwide publicity for the last project and for other projects he became wellknown too like the Feetwashing and Peace around the Globe

In addition to his impressive artistic career, Johan van der Dong is also known for his unique and thought-provoking projects that have garnered worldwide attention. One such project is the P.O Box of God, which he created in 2007. This project involved setting up a mailbox where people could send letters to God, expressing their hopes, fears, and desires. The letters were then collected and displayed in a public exhibition and burning, sparking a conversation about the role of religion and spirituality in modern society. Another project that earned Johan van der Dong worldwide publicity is Gods Hotline, which he launched in 2009. This project involved setting up a mobile  phone booth (installation) where people could call and leave a message for God, asking for guidance or expressing gratitude. The messages didn’t have the purpose to be listened too, were collected and not made public in the hope of feeling  space, creating a sense of community and connection among the participants. Johan van der Dong’s Feetwashing project is another example of his unique and provocative approach to art. This project involved the artist washing the feet of strangers in public spaces, a gesture that symbolized humility and compassion. By breaking down social barriers and engaging with people on a personal level, Johan van der Dong aimed to create a sense of unity and understanding among people from all walks of life. Finally, Johan van der Dong’s Peace around the Globe project is an ongoing initiative that aims to promote world peace and understanding through art. This project involves creating large-scale murals in public spaces that depict symbols of peace and unity, such as doves and olive branches. The murals serve as a reminder of the power of art to bring people together and inspire positive change in the world. In conclusion, Johan van der Dong’s artistic career and unique projects have had a profound impact on the art world and society as a whole. His ability to use art as a means of promoting understanding, compassion, and unity is a testament to his creativity and vision, and his work will continue to inspire and provoke for generations to come.

Dichtbundel “Kleimonologen”

Op 3 mei verscheen bij uitgeverij Nobelman de tweede dichtbundel, Kleimonologen, van Johan van der Dong. In 2020 verscheen de bundel Fabrieksgeheimen die over de jeugd van Van der Dong in het Groningse dorp Hoogkerk handelt.

In Kleimonologen beschrijft kunstenaar en dichter Johan van der Dong het schitterende landschap van Groningen, de provincie die zo door haar klei gevormd is. Het schept het beeld van de Groninger die zich nuchter noemt maar dat in wezen helemaal niet is. En raar is dat niet als je bedenkt dat Groningen een cultuurlandschap heeft om bij weg te dromen door de prachtige lijnen die binnen het landschap opdoemen uit mist, zon en regen. Op de beelden van een zoevende trein door de mist langs de dorpjes in het landschap kan een mens de hele dag teren door de kleurenpracht en de sfeer die ze opleveren.

Dat eeuwenoude cultuurlandschap vol historie, dat eens het middelpunt van Europa was, waar de culturen in al zijn oorspronkelijkheid elkaar mochten ontmoeten, dat land wat nu zo verscheurd lijkt, beschrijft hij als een schilder die ze met zijn penseelstreken voor eeuwig wil bewaren. Juist dat door de Groningers beminde land mag zijn schoonheid in dichtvorm bezongen zien.

Juist dat land, dat onbekende beminde land:

Ain Pronkjewail in golden raand is Grönnen, Stad en Ommelaand;

De Groninger, hij weet waarover hij praat, hij zegt wat hij ziet en dat kon minder, echt minder want mooier is er niet. Een gedicht over wat er is, wat we hebben en wat – wanneer het eenmaal vernietigd is – nooit weer komt. Een gedicht dat ook een waarschuwing is.

Johan van der Dong werd wereldwijd bekend door projecten zoals de Postbus en de Hotline van God.

Over de auteur:

Johan van der Dong, van huis uit beeldende kunstenaar, werd bekend met projecten zoals de Postbus van God en de Hotline van God. Later werden deze projecten nog gevolgd door een afsluitend concept waarbij hij op zoek ging naar de precieze betekenis van het ‘kwaad’ en de beleving daarvan in onze samenleving. Tijdens zijn ziekte schreef hij een gedichtenbundel over het dorp waar hij opgroeide, ‘Hoogkerk’, het dorp waar hij een deel zijn jeugd en een deel van zijn volwassen leven doorbracht.

Johan van der Dong woont in Grijpskerk.

ISBN 9789491737633 | Kleimonologen | Johan van der Dong | hardcover | full colour | 48 pagina’s | € 19,95