Robin Poppe

I was born in Antwerp (Belgium) and live and work in Turin (Italy).

My family made a living from the spice trade. My senses were stimulated by the cuisines from around the world, my curiosity was sharpened by cultures new to me, my horizons opened up.

Living in new countries activated new connections in my brain; I was looking for common denominators in a complex world. Before occupying a significant space in my life, my artistic activity was sporadic although the sensorial stimulations and the diversity of my enrichment were permanent and penetrating. Throughout my career I was exposed to extremely different political, geographic and human contexts. These inspired me to regularly resort to art in order to capture and express the diverse perceptions gained along my journey.

I explored the use of various materials and techniques; red chalk and charcoal drawing, painting, and sculpture combining metal, fabric and wax.

I am always amazed by contrasts, tensions and differences. Creating a connection between materials which are apparently incompatible results in a new balance. Harmony is increased by improbability.

My sources of inspiration are:

Minimalism. Sobriety in the use of materials, colours and shapes. Beauty is achieved when there is nothing more to be taken away.

Nature. Nature has always nourished me and expresses itself through materials (tiles polished by the sea, moss, light) and the subjects of my artwork (rain, landscapes, transparency). Nature connects to minimalism through its economy and balance.

Calligraphy. It is the absolute -but minimal- graphic expression; colours are usually limited to a black and white contrast. It is also thrifty, as everything can be expressed through an infinite combination of a limited number of characters. Calligraphy expresses the same concept in a variety of graphic ways according to the culture. It also links to nature through its strokes, its fluidity, its rigour recalling clouds, tree branches or waves.