Bob Geerts' artistic journey spans over 18 years, with 13 of those years spent as a professional tattoo artist. During this period, he discovered the strength of bold lines, vivid colors, and strong compositions inspired by vintage tattoo imagery. Seeking profound creative freedom, he returned to his roots as a painter, delving into both folk and modern art, drawn to the treasures found at markets across Europe and evoking the enchanting stories of the past.
For Geerts, art is about exploring the complexity of the human condition. He ponders what it means to be human, what stories shape our lives, and how tradition and modernity intersect. These questions are reflected in his canvases, where he plays with the boundaries of materials, sizes, and textures to create something unique and captivating. He finds inspiration in 1920s imagery as well as in the modernism of painting, with clear influences from the Russian avant-garde and cubism.
His experience as a tattoo artist shifted Geerts' perspective on creation. He believes that everything has already been done, and the key lies in tapping into what resonates with you and expressing it in a way that feels authentic. The preservation of tradition is essential for him, treating some of his paintings as he would tattoos, as integral parts of his artistic system. However, technically speaking, where tattooing is quite limited, he finds that in painting he can be much more free, allowing him to experiment with endless possibilities and thoroughly enjoy the creative liberation that comes with it.
Central to Geerts' art are human figures, a canvas that easily conveys emotions and stories. Through his work, he brings to life an atmosphere where the past and present converge, where the charm of antiquity is in harmony with innovative expressions. This is achieved through the juxtaposition of brightness with melancholy, round shapes with sharp lines, and manipulated proportions to create a compelling visual narrative. Geerts' art is an invitation to embark on a journey that explores the complexity of the human condition and where old tales intertwine with a boundless imagination.