SILL-L-EVEN-TJES by Tostiej in Leiderdorp

A Child's Insight: Tostiej's Artistic Reflection on Modern Life Tostiej, a.k.a. Joost Knipping (1994), is a Dutch artist based in Leiderdorp. His artistic practice increasingly focuses on the conflict between human behavior and our animal instincts, examining how this clash is manifested in our daily interactions within critical social situations and climate issues. This perspective is channeled through a childlike lens and expressed through art. This subject drives my tactile approach as a creator, guiding the composition of materials and colors towards an aesthetic equilibrium that bridges our (primal) past and present. It is a continuous battle of contrasts, much like life itself, blending neo-expressionism with street art and childlike drawings in an intentionally unbalanced yet harmonious manner. I draw inspiration from artistic icons such as Basquiat, Banksy, Daft Punk, and Junji Ito. My work reflects how I perceive our contemporary world – profoundly devoid of inherent meaning, yet resiliently hopeful. Through my art, viewers experience my perspective on human behavior, as well as my personal fears, confusion, and anxieties, serving as a commentary on the present world. My creative process is characterized by explosions of creativity and adaptive responses. I engage directly with the textures and tactile qualities of materials and their contextual interplay, allowing concepts to intertwine in an ever-evolving journey until the final artwork materializes. Regarding Tostiej, "his inner self dictates how his body and mind respond to the canvas. It's an ongoing battle involving his pencil, emotions, and perceptions, leading to spontaneous decisions culminating at the finish line." Joost identifies himself as a youthful, multifunctional, and adaptable artist. He finds inspiration in "differences'' – those aspects he may not fully comprehend but finds profoundly appealing. Particularly, non-Western cultures such as African, Asian, and South American cultures captivate him. These cultures, renowned for their empowerment, vibrancy, expressive qualities, and vitality, infuse Joost with a surge of inspiration to manifest his creativity in diverse ways. He crafts his art within the confines of his atelier at home. Tostiej creates environmentally friendly works using the RRR method – Reuse, Reduce, Recycle. This entails sourcing canvases from the streets, dubbing them "Wood art," rather than purchasing new ones. Additionally, he acquires paints and pencils from secondhand stores, minimizing consumption and waste. Tostiej is already sharing his work with the world. We look forward to connecting with you soon!