Douglas Kolk

Born 1963 in Newark, USA – Died 2014

Douglas Kolk’s practice explores questions of identity and the multifaceted nature of the human psyche. He asserted that drawing offers infinite possibilities to probe these issues and develop a very personal style through a plurality of media. Douglas Kolk began by making small drawings on paper, then gradually produced larger formats and eventually came to prominence for his work on canvas and his wall-drawings. Kolk delighted in incorporating narrative elements borrowed from fairytales, comics and TV series, spawning a universally comprehensible lexicon while preserving a mysterious dimension. 

Through his fragmented compositions, the artist captured the spirit of youth culture. His images present fragile, fluctuating notions linked to identity and lost innocence. They have a remarkable, direct and genuine effect on viewers by giving them the freedom to associate their ideas, wishes and desires.