Interested in body presence and behavior, Marc Van Cauwenbergh focuses on humanoid forms in motion. Though completely abstract, his compositions translate as portraits of the lyrical interaction imbued in physical movement. Here, thin washes of oil paint, which are brushed directly onto the linen, create predominantly vertical shapes. These mysterious banners of translucent color are carefully layered on top of each other and hence, intermingle like engaging bodies. In fact, each distinct shape translates as a silhouetted individual, whose characteristics and personality are defined through the artist’s handling of color and form. Together, the elements begin to interact, cover one another, weave together, and separate, generating a strong notion of sensuality and even eroticism. These color conglomerates are set against plain backgrounds, creating a precise framework for the unified subject. Within this space, Van Cauwenbergh’s abstract figures seem to be floating freely. The confinements of the canvas resemble the theatric stage. The inherent lyricism is as organic as it is graceful.

Combining deeply saturated lime greens, with subdued grays, blues, or charcoal black, for example, Van Cauwenbergh’s palette significantly aids in determining each work’s unique mood. As the rhythm fluctuates from canvas to canvas, so does the sentiment. At ease with his visual vocabulary, Van Cauwenbergh succeeds in capturing a variety of expressions as his works can range from almost soothingly serene to dramatically fierce. What prevails, no matter what the sentiment, is Van Cauwenbergh’s keen understanding of restrained gesture. In his world less is more and so he sends his images off to materialize in front of each viewer as a unique mirage.