7 Questions for Dutch Artist Matthijs Scholten on the Symbolic Angels and Demons of Modern Life
On view through November 16, 2024, Amsterdam-based SmithDavidson Gallery presents Scholten’s solo show “Angels & Demons,” comprised of new and recent work made both in the artist’s local studio as well as in Bali. Following a whirlwind year that saw the artist’s work shown in Miami, Chicago, and New York, next will be the includion of Scholten’s work with the gallery at PAN Amsterdam Art Fair later this month and at Art Miami in December.
We reached out to Scholten to learn more about the present exhibition, as well as his inimitable creative process.
Can you tell us about some of the overarching themes or inspirations that were front of mind for you in creating the body of work on view in “Angels & Demons”?
“Angels & Demons” delves into the complex dynamics between freedom and constraint in modern life. While our society offers a sense of liberation, it’s countered by the pressures and controls that shape us—whether through agendas, social media, or societal expectations. My work explores how these influences both limit and provoke, with the “angels” and “demons” symbolizing my own process of grappling with them.
While there are representational elements in your paintings, abstraction is equally compositionally important. How do you choose or consider the degree of each in you work? What attracts you to one versus the other?
Regarding the balance between abstraction and representation, I follow an intuitive approach, allowing each work to evolve organically based on emotion and spontaneity. Early in my career, representation dominated, but as I embraced abstraction, I found a new form of freedom, blending the two dynamically in each piece.
Can you describe your process from a technical standpoint? Do you plan or sketch everything out beforehand, or is it more spontaneous?
Technically, I begin with photography, capturing overlooked or “meaningless” details from everyday life, like street stains or graffiti layers. These serve as initial inspiration, and through sketches, I gradually expand these ideas onto canvas.
Similarly, what is your personal approach to color and choosing of specific palettes for different works? What does color choice mean for you?
In “Angels & Demons,” I want colors to feel like they’re splashing off the canvas, with contrasts as bold as possible. I build my paintings in many layers, painting and repainting within similar color schemes to create depth and intensity. When the piece calls for it, I add subtle fluorescent touches—not to dominate, but to bring in a hint of luminosity. This layering process, combined with vibrant contrasts, brings a tactile energy to each work, inviting the viewer to feel the movement and life within the colors.
Can you tell us a bit about the role of symbolism in this show or in your practice overall?
Symbolism holds a special place in my body of work, weaving together influences from children’s art, ancient cave drawings, and pre-Colombian symbols. These elements, subtly embedded in my work, connect to myself and an inner sense of wonder, as well as to the endurance of human expression across time.
What do you hope visitors to the show take away with them? Do considerations of viewing experience play any role in how you work?
Ultimately, I hope that viewers of “Angels & Demons” will reconnect with their inner child, feeling less bound by daily structures and more attuned to spontaneity and play. I find fulfillment in knowing my art can evoke movement and vitality, inspiring viewers to pause, look deeply, and perhaps reclaim a sense of freedom within themselves.
What are you working on now? Or, alternatively, what do you hope to work on next? Are there any ideas you want to explore you haven’t had the chance to yet?
Currently, I am researching ancient cultures and lost tribes, expanding the exploration of timeless human experiences and symbolisms—a direction that may shape future works and deepen their symbolic and cultural resonance. This captures the essence of my process, inspirations, and vision for “Angels & Demons.”
Palm Beach Show
13 – 18 February 2025
SmithDavidson Gallery is excited to announce its participation at The Palm Beach Show this February, presenting a combination of Modern Art, Contemporary Art and Australian Indiginous Art. This includes works by Emily Kam Kngwarray, Zhuang Hong Yi, Diana Korn Matthijs Scholten, Warlimpirrnga Tjapaltjarri, Esther Giles Nampitjinpa and Rover Thomas Joolama.
Art Miami
3 December – 8 December 2024
For the upcoming edition of Art Miami SmithDavidson Gallery will be creating a tightly curated exhibition based on the gallery’s main program of Modern & Contemporary Art & Masters of the Australian Indigenous Art movement.
Important Mid & Late-Century artworks by Lucio Fontana, Sam Francis, Fernando Botero and Robert Indiana will be presented alongside master pieces by Emily Kam Kngwarray, Warlimpirringa Tjapaltjarri, Rover Thomas Joolama and Bill Whiskey Tjapaltjarri.
New works by ultra contemporary artists Pepe Valenti, Matthijs Scholten and Vincent Lagrange will be presented in dialogue with international artists Zhuang Hong Yi and Marcel Pinas.
Pan Amsterdam
24 November – 1 December 2024
SmithDavidson Gallery will be showcasing at PAN Amsterdam this November, presenting a selection of the contemporary highlights of the gallery’s program including works by Marc and Vincent Lagrange, Ingo Arndt, artist of the year Marie Cecile Thijs, Zhuang Hong Yi and Matthijs Scholten as well as selected works by prominent Australian Indigenous artists.
Known for its unique selection, the gallery will feature works that highlight both established and emerging artists, offering a rich blend of modern creativity and cultural heritage.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore their curated pieces at one of Europe’s premier art fairs.
Angels & Demons
Friday 13 September – 3 November 2024
Following successful presentations in Miami, Chicago and New York, SmithDavidson Gallery is excited to open the cultural season with the latest solo presentation of Dutch artist Matthijs Scholten.
Presenting new works created by Scholten in his studio just outside Amsterdam and in Bali, Indonesia over the past two years, they clearly constitute a further evolvement of his work, yet the artist continues to stay true to his personal emotional experiences as the main source of inspiration. Including figurative elements such as flowers, animals and angels in his new body of work, Matthijs Scholten adds further components to his already layered paintings.
Constructivist elements and symbolism come together to form a uniquely ecognisable style; energetic and spontaneous brush strokes are complimented by impasto details and fine details culminating in recognisable forms. Scholten creates works with a naiveté reminiscent of CoBrA artists such as Karel Appel and Corneille, Street Art and Graffiti as well as referencing to popular culture.
The solo exhibition by Matthijs Scholten will be on view on both floors of the gallery’s Amsterdam Zuid viewing spaces. You are welcome to join the public opening of the exhibition Angels & Demons this Fall in presence of the artist.
Smith Davidson Gallery
Tintorettostraat 3
1077 RM Amsterdam
The Netherlands
+31 (0)20 626 5945