Dreams create desire

What's the most intense desire you've ever experienced? And what caused it?

I often experience the most intense desire after absurd dreams, which I barely remember. Some flashes, if lucky, but the desire they inflict can persist for a week easily.

And it always feels weird. In a way, it's not even necessarily easily identifiably linked to the dream, just a lust for a friend, a partner, fame, money, or whatever else you can imagine. 

If you'd ask me, I'd say that I don't generally want these (kinds of) things, but still, apparently, dreaming about having them makes me, in some way, crave them;

That begs the question: are these not just passions that I otherwise try to hide from myself? What's the point in wanting something you "can't" have anyway?

Cubism

Endless hair

If you're struggling with your hair, I've got some tips. I'm qualified because I've got the longest and most beautiful hair in my city (being selectively blind.)

My hair is actually endlessly long. 

It started because whenever I came back from the barber, I wasn't happier with how I looked, so I stopped having it get cut --  and it grew.

I wasn't concerned with how long it got until one weekend someone pulled on the end of my hair, and when I turned around, I couldn't see them, so I spent the rest of the weekend trying to find the person, but I could not, because I could not find the end of my hair, as it doesn't exist. 

I guess that upset me enough that I forgot all about the tips I had. But here's one that is helpful: don't let it get this far.

Eggs

When's the last time you've thought about breathing, or how to walk, or any of the hundreds of household items you've seen every day since basically the start of your life?

Well, I hadn't thought about eggs -- chicken eggs specifically, in a while. It fluctuates, though generally, eggs are, and have been, a big part of my diet. They're pretty good. 

One day, during easter, while talking with my almost 2-year-old nephew, he pointed at an egg and accurately said: 'egg,' which I agreed to -- then I understood that I had to make art about eggs. 

Because even though their competition is fierce, eggs have some of the best marketability out there in terms of appearance.

Helping start a car

Imagine all the people you walk past you don't hear because of your headphones, a task only challenging for those who don't use them (much), but please try.

For me, they're not a tool for isolation, however, it's a nice additional perk. Still, when I hear a stranger asking for attention, I anxiously give it to them.

This one time, a guy in his 'parked' car at the side of a street in Den Bosch told me that because the car hadn't moved in months, the battery died, and he asked me if I could help push start it.

I didn't have anything better to do, so skeptically, I helped him. Together, we revived the car, and while honking, he drove away.

Another person that I'll likely never come across, and even if I did, I wouldn't hear or see.

Few clouds

I get tired of making art about my sisters, but when making art about the sky, it's too easy to inject them into whatever other narrative I'm working on.

Sometimes, I merely want to look at the sky and appreciate its beauty -- so there's no meaning here. If you're looking for it, please move on. 

A sky full of clouds is often as impressive as an empty one: not very. 

Preferably, around 20% of the sky is clouded, but the perspective may be captivating as long as 20% of the blue sky is noticeable.

And while looking at such a sky, I feel at ease with life. I'm not sure whether I'm still anxious. Probably, but it's not the type of thing I remember. I am sure I  feel like I'm floating along the clouds, and I'm inconsequentially small and irrelevant, which I actually am, of course, but now that realization comforts me.

Waiting for the call

I feel anxious about whether I'm actually anxious or not, and I'm not even sure about the authenticity of that feeling.

I've always experienced anxiety, but the feeling used to be predictable. Recently (it's already been more than half a year), it has become part of my regular experience -- making art about being hungry might have me feeling off.

It took me a while to talk to my GP. It took us longer to figure out it probably wasn't physical, which led to me getting referred to a mental health clinic, which is taking even longer to call back.

They told me I'd be on the waiting list for 72 days. When I had waited those days, and they hadn't called me, I assumed they didn't count weekends and vacations. When even accounting for that, the days had passed without a call; I became anxious about whether I did something wrong. 

I know I should call them to confirm, but I'm sure I've become very fond of waiting for the call. Maybe I am actually anxious, but it's just another hobby to fill my empty time.

On being Zen

Depending on who reads this, you may not know I'm Zen. I've always been and will be for the rest of (my) time. That isn't a comment on my state of mind, which often is either quite Zen or the exact opposite; 

It's part of the first names my parents gave me.

I'm not sure if I've ever hated it, but I've grown to like it a lot. Who doesn't like being unique in something? Even though it's not something I've had to put any effort into, it still feels good.

It's not always clear to me what it means to be Zen. Actually, it's only rare that it's not, but even then, I'm always sure I'm more authentically Zen than most gurus who might claim they are. 

Not that it matters.

Art my parents hate

The title of this art piece is a lie, but it's more accurate than most real stories you love, which are either filled with falsities or cherry-picked -- this is what you want.

So, the title of this art piece is the truth.

My mom (in friendly words) keeps telling me about how she doesn't like my recent poems. What she means, and where she is correct, is that they are not great at communicating my ideas. 

It's the same reason I struggle to read poetry; it just doesn't resonate. But still, I'll keep creating poems that I likely wouldn't enjoy had I not made them.

Until I find a way to change them, and by then, she'll have forgotten that she was a big reason behind the change. 

My dad doesn't even hate my poems; he doesn't care for them at all. They mean nothing to him.

Success wouldn't mean making my mom, who studied the English language at some university, like my poems. I'm sure I could make her care. 

No, real success means making even my father, who surely influenced my indifference to language, care.

Henri Matisse

Always changing house

I've only ever lived in three buildings. The first one, because of me, we had to leave within the first year of my existence, and the second one I spent most of my life in, about 21 years. 

And that one building was many more houses than most people live in during their entire lives, to my great annoyance. And probably to my parents their great annoyance too; I don't believe they had much control.

Anytime I woke up, I had to relearn the layout -- I often had to clear out the dishwasher, and there wasn't a day where I didn't need to ask where something needed to go (and they'd always complain about having to explain the 'logical' layout).

I remember one early morning waking up and still finding my mom moving closets in the living room. I told my dad she was up early, and he replied that she hadn't slept yet, which probably indicated a stressful period, but I was too young to understand.

The weirdest part is that somehow, my apartment seems to be struggling with similar issues, though suspiciously now, I do always know where everything is.

Innate hero complex

I'm talking to an art collector and explaining my art in a museum. I keep saying these cool-sounding, fascinating sentences. Any question they ask me, I somehow know the perfect response to -- they're amazed by my cleverness.

I turn the corner, and an ordinary (for Den bosch) yet beautiful building that I've looked at a thousand times before but for the first time see appears and slips me out of any other thought I might've had, in this case, what I think is a daydream.

I don't KNOW if it's a daydream, but unlike other thoughts, in all of them, I'm in scenarios where I'm a hero of some kind. It's hard to talk about because it's embarrassing and not something you remember. 

So I'll let your imagination fill in the blanks; it's either grandiose fantasies, what I should say to my colleagues or family when I see them again, or what I should've said in the past.

Hustling hobo's courage

Den Bosch doesn't have much of a homelessness problem. They exist, and some are consistently on specific corners to beg, but most of those aren't even homeless.

I love walking, and the city is a beautiful place to explore (though the same buildings can only amaze so many times.) Although it's a little bit away, many of my walks include it.

This one guy has asked me many times to either give him some money or to help him buy weed from a coffeeshop (though I'm not (anymore), probably because I look like the type of guy to smoke.)

Another time, I saw two of them stand on top of one another to climb over the (open) fence of the Sint-jan. They asked if I could lend them a hand; I couldn't've acted more ignorant of the situation. 

But whatever you think of them, and I don't personally care to demean or belittle them, their courage to interact with people who want little to do with them is commendable. 

However much they are outcasts, in many ways, they're more socially inclined than at least me and probably numerous others.

Slave to impulses

Whenever I've got any semblance of a good idea, which often is just something to complain about, I've got a tendency to express it multiple times in a short period. 

So, this is just another piece complaining about being hungry but then disguised by something more abstract to not bore you or me with a stale story (and to appear more intelligent).

Impulses drive everything you've ever done and ever will do. Which I don't think is much of a problem most of the time, but some of those impulses will be for things you know you shouldn't do. 

You may give in, suffering the consequences you knew would exist, then later complain about those, or you can, and will often, not.

Maybe you'll try very hard never to submit, you'll get none of the drawbacks and none of the dopamine, and now you're bored; is this even a life worth living?

And once again, you'll go back to a hedonistic lifestyle that'll at least keep you entertained while you're capable of it: this is happiness.

Seeing yourself waiting

The topic of this art piece is a boring situation. Few people get excited by having to wait. I certainly don't care much for it, but I'll try to convince you why you should.

If you're waiting and look around, you will notice something interesting, at least if you allow yourself to be entertained by the otherwise unremarkable.

This piece specifically was about waiting for the train. Nowadays, I don't take the train often, but I recently wanted to go to the office, so I had to. 

Next to the countless people, which already makes paid attention worth it (nothing else to spend it on either), I also noticed an old lady carrying four bikes, the bluest tomatoes, rain without clouds, a dog walking his human, and a flying train, all just within the one trip.

But the most intriguing thing I've ever noticed was myself on a different platform. As you may expect, I was waiting, and to my concern, I looked bored, like I wished I would be anywhere else (but I couldn't). Seeing myself in that state made me incredibly disappointed.

Hunger

If you analyze my life (and are a little weird), it could appear like, since the age of 14, I keep gaining weight, just so that I can lose it again, so that I can gain it again, on repeat. 

Since moving out, I had to relearn how to feed myself, including, for some reason, that you can't keep food in the fridge for that long and that I can't handle having snacks around as I'll never stop eating them.

Recently, I've been trying to lose weight again. Even when I eat whatever I want, I'm always hungry, so it's rough.

Unrelated, I've also been trying to get better at selling my art, which is difficult because when I'm free from my job, I don't want to spend it on another instead of working on my art. 

In that sense, ironically, because I'm not "hungry" enough, it's hard to get better at selling my art, though this is as much a privilege.

But some days, I daydream about my hunger for food overtaking my ability to reason so that I'll start eating my art. I'm sure that'll make it sell.

Boy in skirt

Vaguely, I remember a boy in a skirt at one point, lying on a couch, sleeping, sucking his thumb. I don't and can't know if it's true, but lying there, he looks so unbothered by it all, just living his life exactly how he wants, at least as far as a child can do whatever he wants.

My parents try to make me believe that I used to be that boy, but I know that can't be true. I've never been so chill, not even while I'm sleeping, or at least it's hard to imagine.

I also couldn't imagine wanting to wear a skirt, but my parents tell me it's true. There's really no issue here. I don't want to wear skirts anymore, if I did, I would. 

Except that I'm scared that they took that decision from me and that I wouldn't want to, even if I tried, and if I did want to, I wouldn't do it.

But it's easier to not think about it and to do what I enjoy. It's not like I'm that normal anyway.

Locked out

Then I arrived "home" without even a keyfob in my possession. They took that away from me, too. I should've just rang the doorbell of one of my neighbors.

It took about an hour for another resident to walk by, and from the moment I noticed them, I somehow sensed they would be using a different door. Instead of following them, I decided I'd rather wait some more.

Only thirty minutes later, someone from the correct door arrived. I mustered up the courage to follow them, and when they were about to open the door, their keyfob didn't work -- the door, not my keyfob, was broken this whole time. 

We exchanged some quick words, but I couldn't handle the internal awkwardness and decided to move to the other door.

Nobody else would arrive for two hours, so I finally rang a doorbell. When I pulled the front door, I noticed that someone had put a screw in the door so anyone could open it. Who knows for how long this had been the case?

Of course, I learned a lot from the situation -- mainly that I should buy a ladder so I could climb onto the first floor when necessary.

Pablo Picasso

The keymaker

The apartment building I moved to has an electronic lock that needs a keyfob to open. I only received one, a fact that irritated me the day I moved in, but the rent is cheap, so it's hard to complain.

One day, when I came home from a walk, the front door didn't open anymore, so I went to another that didn't open either. 

I've never felt so vulnerable. Of course, I assumed that my keyfob was the problem, and anxiously I called a keymaker to replace it, who told me I had to come over, which I did.

Surrounded by many large keys, the keymaker skeptically asked me what was in front of my apartment building. I assumed to figure out whether I lived there, and nervously, I thought and, after a minute, crying, I said I didn't know.

The keymaker, now confused, asked me why I was crying, to which I again responded I didn't know before the keymaker told me they ordered my key and I could go. So humiliated, I walked back home to a locked apartment complex.

Happily walking my life away

There are many ways you can travel to most locations you need to go, and there's only one almost universal: walking.

Even though that's an intriguing idea, it doesn't influence my love for the transportation method much.

Frankly, I struggle to understand why I love it so much -- I'm Dutch, so maybe it's because biking is just too prevalent, making walking another way to feel unique. 

My parents think I'm crazy. They also think it's weird that I don't repair my bike or get a driver's license. But I'm content with walking -- toward public transit if necessary.

Walking seems to suit me. I don't move or go outside enough, or rather, I wouldn't if it weren't for walking. There's also so much time in our lives, and a lot of it we waste on dopamine machines; walking is an alright alternative to that.

And finally (and this is a secret), it's how I find all the ideas for my art. I'm not sure who leaves them there, but throughout the city (and surrounding area), someone ditches all these great, free ideas I pick up, which nobody else ever seems to. Maybe they're all too busy to look around.

Finding meaning in anything

Only once was I ever depressed. 

My parents never recruited me into a religion, nor did they push me away absolutely, though probably more than they realize.

They convinced me that there weren't any spiritual omniscient beings and that the idea was ridiculous, the latter coming naturally; if you're sure it's nonsense, the concept quickly becomes laughable. 

It's hard not to look down on people who you ""know"" believe in silly creatures, and I wasn't above it either. Even now, while I cognitively recognize we can't know, and much of the conclusion is almost evolutionarily determined, I'm as jealous as I feel superior.

In the most respectable way I can. Because everyone, presumably, feels the same way (though they are wrong as I am right.)

But then, one day, I realized that if not for the spiritual, except for being happy, there's no reason to exist, which took me by surprise for probably less than a minute, when I understood it meant I got to pick whatever I wanted, optimally one day forgetting it ever was a choice.

I suppose the religious people might've figured this out quicker than me. 

And now, way too much like my parents, my art, words, family, and walks are my meaning.

Staring At My Incomplete Work

If you ever caught me like this, which you never could, it would be easy to assume that despair is tormenting me.

Yes, I might be frustrated, but somehow, this is the most satisfying and worthwhile activity to pursue.

Often, I complain about not having enough time (to work on my art). And this takes many minutes, multiple times a day when I would otherwise be busy painting. 

While torture wouldn't be able to uncover what I'm thinking while sitting there, I've never wasted a minute staring at my incomplete work.

Then, when a piece is complete, I never look at it with the same passion. I still love (and hate) it, but there's so much less to see when you've already made all the decisions.

Need To Create Something Good

Inside of everyone, presumably, is an urge to do something meaningful.

But instead, because I don't believe in meaning, I'm trying to make good art -- which, somehow, I've convinced myself is purpose.

And I satisfy this urge probably any time I finish a piece, or at least in the following days while staring at it.

If I stare at it long enough, some hate also arises, which drives me to make more art. 

That hatred never goes too deep: I appreciate what I learned and being able to see the ideas I sat on for, most likely, a couple of weeks.

I keep bouncing between loving and hating a piece until it has been on my wall long enough. Then it feels like it always was. Like it being there is a fact of the universe. 

At that point, I lose the ability to love or hate it.

Hopefully, I never make anything too good. I wouldn't know what to do with myself. 

There's no reason to repeat yourself over and over if what you've already done is as good as it gets -- which would leave nothing else to do.

Bad Year Can't Complain

Comparing your state of mind from year to year seems nearly impossible. 

Last year might've been the worst year of my life (so far) because of some anxiety problems that now constantly seem present. 

It wouldn't surprise me if it were, but I'm uncertain how I could compare how I felt like as a 4, or 12-year-old. 

So, I'll settle for calling it just a bad year.

Maybe one of the worst things about it is that I've got it good in many ways; I work on so much satisfying art, live comfortably, and have little stress in my daily life. 

That may not sound bad to you, but it is -- now I feel like a loser when complaining. 

And complaining is one of the most fun things you can do.

Parents In Mirror

The older I get, the more I start recognizing my parents in myself. I'm not even that old yet, so I fear the similarities will only get more apparent with time.

Even though she might not like or admit it, the same is true for my sister. 

I'm sure there are many more positive similarities than negative, but my sister and I love complaining about our parents, and nobody likes being a hypocrite. 

I guess it's a small cost for something as fun as complaining.

Then there's my art. As an artist, it's horrible to be stale. My art isn't like anything my parents have ever done. And when I'm delusional enough, I hope that my art isn't like anything anyone has ever done. 

But it's hard not to compare my parents' work with many of the characteristics that, I think, are important for making good art.

Vincent van Gogh

Are They Looking At You?

It's not paranoia, but whenever I'm out for a walk, it always feels like everyone is looking at me. 

I'm not the most normal-looking person, but I'm sure I'm not that special either. 

Then I start debating myself about whether what I'm feeling is normal. I can't be the only one who feels like people are watching, but that reality wouldn't be acceptable. 

Because it makes me feel so uncomfortable, maybe anxious, even, and if this is normal, well, it couldn't be helped. If it's not, there might be something I can do to prevent it.

Fighting Sleep (Like Valentijn)

My baby nephew Valentijn, like everyone else, gets tired sometimes. And when he does, his grandparents will prepare him for bed. 

When they do, he's always fighting them, which is ridiculous. His tiredness is unmistakable, and when he finally gets put to bed, he falls asleep instantly.

More ridiculous than that are the adults who, when they get tired, know they should get sleep but stay awake.

I'm a very responsible adult, so for me, this isn't an issue at all. I've got a job, meaning I need to wake up in time, so I'll get in bed early enough to get some good sleep.

But when I don't have my job the next day, I act just like my nephew, but unlike him, there's nobody to put me to bed except myself, so I stay awake, wasting so much of my precious free time for no good reason.

Edvard Munch

Dying Alone

"Sometimes, I feel like I only make art to upset my mom. Probably because she's one of the only people I talk to about my art. 

And honestly, I love seeing her get sad because of my art; the whole point is to provoke emotions. But I also hate knowing my art hurt her. I know she's hurt because of the reality of what I've decided to portray, not because of me, but still, I'd rather see her happy.

Regardless, a family member recently became terminally ill, which inspired this piece. We're no longer in contact, so I'll probably never see them again.

They seemed to have become quite delusional the last time I saw them, and I didn't have much of a relationship anyway, so their passing doesn't hurt. 

Frankly, they're not important enough for a painting dedicated to their passing. But it made me think about myself.

Making friends is easy, but I never want to do anything with those friends. After a while, they all learn not to invite me, as I won't attend anyway. It's not that I don't like them. Some of them are very cool people. The others are nice enough. But for some reason, I prefer to be alone. 

However, I can't help but be afraid of the future. There's a good chance that I will die alone, and I'm not sure if I'm going to regret those decisions. 

So sorry, Mom. I know it's not too late to change, but I'd rather be alone."

Kees van Dongen

Only Light In Window

This time of year is so dark here. I thought the shortest day of the year was a month before it was. I made the same mistake last year. And again, when I realized we would have another month of ever shorter days, it made me incredibly sad.

Regardless, something I now realize I've missed in the summer months is that in the dark world, the lightest parts are the insides of houses.

I might have missed this because I don't go outside that much when it's late, so I don't see the darkness in the summer, or because during the summer, people have a lot of time to realize it's getting dark, so they often close their blinds, and somehow they forget to do it when it's dark earlier.

The result is that now, during my walks, I get to look around and see all the fascinating rooms inside all the buildings. 

The GP

People who accurately understand how they're feeling are geniuses. I'm never sure how I feel, and often, I'm sure I don't know, which drives me crazy. 

One day, I woke up, and I just felt weird. Generally, I hate dealing with people and being in situations that I'm not familiar with, so it took me two weeks to call and go to the GP. 

Unfortunately, at first, I assumed that it was some stomach problem, maybe that I had poisoned myself, as I still relatively recently went to live on my own and, admittedly, some of my health habits were awful.

For two and a half months, the GP and I explored and did tests to understand what it could be. We concluded that it might be something mental.

And I appreciate the GP. When talking to her, I very much felt listened to, although sometimes I'm not sure if she fully got what I said. 

But now, and this will probably take years to understand, I don't know whether to be thankful for her help or upset about how long it took to come to such an obvious conclusion.

What if your sister was the Sky and so that any time you'd look at her, she'd be very different?

It means that some days, she'd be so calm, sweet, and sometimes, if you're lucky, even genius. But frequently, she would be more angry and destructive than anything else really can be in your life, destroying anything she wants to, seemingly for no reason. Would you be able to look back and appreciate the genius?

You think you know that she tries her best to be regular and often doesn't remember doing anything wrong, suffering more than anyone else could, from more than she even outwardly shows.

But it's hard to be compassionate because you have in the past, and it never works out great, even though you know that maybe you should and that you're selfish for not wanting to try.

You might have difficulties understanding who she is. It could take you decades to slightly comprehend that she is just what she happens to be that day, depending on the state of the world. Maybe some aspects are pretty familiar from day to day, but are those elements what make a person if everything else changes? 

Perhaps you'll find yourself in a loop, thinking about it all over and over, never reaching a new conclusion, only to realize that there is no final conclusion, and it feels like it's not even worth thinking about anymore. 

Could you stop yourself from disliking her, especially seeing the problems she still, and maybe will forever cause? But even that, you might realize, is pointless because she's not, maybe unfortunately so, a monster.

You can imagine that it would be difficult to trust people in general, seeing as you wouldn't even be able to trust your sister to be the same person the next time you see her, let alone be reasonable or friendly. You might learn to deal with stress weirdly, conceivably contributing to some general anxiety. 

What an easy topic to make "meaningful" art about, though. I'm confident I wouldn't trade in all my art to have grown up without her.

Parent With Child

I'm not very sentimental, or maybe I simply don't want to be.

So when I saw a woman with her child in a cargo bike, and I thought about my parents, how they carried me around the world for so long, and how now they don't. That wasn't me being sentimental: some things in this world are good, interesting, universal ideas that require capturing, which I did.

Honestly, I'm happy to be independent from my parents, and they're probably glad that I can take care of myself. I love them, even if they, understandably so, radiate stress sometimes.

But I feel I should appreciate them more than I do. It's hard to find the time to spend with them (even though it's too easy to find the time to waste on useless dopamine machines). Even when I do, it's challenging to find good topics. So many things are not worth speaking about, and so many worthy things are easy to forget.

They, or probably me, 'deserve' that extra time though;

Because, so often, while working on my art, or I suppose, in general, I still feel like that kid in the cargo bike getting brought to where I need to go by my parents.

Art inspired by the tranquil benches of Den Bosch. A testament to the beauty found in simple walks and the muse they provide. A homage to moments of reflection and creativity.

The Bench

Going for walks is one of the best hobbies I've got. It's undefeated not only because moving is healthy for a human (like me) but also because it's a great way to waste time, listen to music, and get ideas for art. 

There are many benches around Den Bosch with beautiful perspectives, or at least sights that have me convinced of their beauty, which is one thing I definitely do thank this city for.

Often while out and about I find myself sitting on one of those benches, with or without a piece of paper and a marker, looking at those beautiful sights. 

It's all meaningless and a waste of time, yet still mesmerizing and, more importantly, inspiring for my next piece of art I can waste even more time on.

This piece is dedicated to none specifically but all of those benches I've sat on before and will sit on in the future.

Zen Dageraad captures the essence of an early 20s song with a vibrant depiction of solitude, inspired by Vincent van Gogh's bedroom painting.

Empty Bed Blues

Drawing inspiration from the melancholic notes of the early 20s song, 'empty bed blues', Zen Dageraad embarked on a journey to capture its essence on canvas. The rhythm of the tune awakened memories of Vincent van Gogh's iconic bedroom painting, which Zen Dageraad channeled into his artwork. Presented is a room bathed in intriguing hues: a stark blue bed and an equally desolate chair take center stage, surrounded by verdant green walls. These walls come alive with splashes of pink artwork, while a solitary yellow window stands as a beacon of hope or perhaps solitude. Adding depth and dimension, the vibrant orange floor is meticulously divided into myriad shapes, each varying in shade, creating a rich tapestry of color and emotion. It's a visual ode to loneliness and contemplation, resonating with the soulful tunes of its musical muse.

Zen Dageraad's artwork captures self-reflection with a pointed gesture and bold colors. Dive into a world of introspection and challenge your perceptions.

Self Absorbed Loser

Conceived during a late-night spark of inspiration, Zen Dageraad crafts a provocative representation of self-reflection. The artwork features an irate, pink-hued figure, vivid against the backdrop of a blue-striped room, pointing directly at the observer. This accusatory gesture is heightened by the audacious yellow crown adorning the figure's head. While the subject remains ambiguous, the painting invites the viewer into a realm of introspection. Zen Dageraad's intention, subtly layered within, is to nudge the beholder to see themselves in the artwork; recognizing the inherent self-absorption that's woven into human nature. With a blend of humor and candidness, it serves as a mirror, compelling us to confront our own egos and assumptions.

Zen Dageraad's artwork pays tribute to cherished friendships of the past, depicting vibrant figures on purple with a warm red backdrop.

Friends From The Past

Zen Dageraad's evocative art piece captures the essence of timeless friendships and the inevitable drift that life can sometimes impose. From a young age of 12, Zen has been deeply contemplative about the transient nature of relationships. This artwork serves as an homage to those cherished friends left behind over time, a silent wish for their well-being and prosperity. Two vibrant green-blue figures, symbolizing these cherished bonds, stand poised on purple platforms, indicating the pedestals on which these memories are placed. Contrasting this, the dual shades of red in the background evoke a mix of warmth and melancholy, representing the emotions tied to such reflections. Through color and composition, Zen skillfully conveys the poignant message of longing and remembrance.

Zen Dageraad's artwork captures a poignant moment of a blue figure having its blood drawn. Evocative green shades set the tone for this personal narrative.

Stealing My Blood

In Zen Dageraad's evocative piece, a vibrant blue figure extends its arm in the bottom left, revealing vivid red veins leading to the bottom right. The poignancy is palpable as a blue hand emerges from the top right, grasping a needle that draws blood from the character. The contrast between the blue of the figure and the striking red of the blood is intensified against a background palette of varying green shades, representing a room with a singular window. The painting was borne from Zen Dageraad's personal experience, during a time when he was unwell for two months and underwent a blood test. Although the results indicated no health concerns, there existed an underlying sentiment of having blood taken seemingly in vain – a feeling of theft, perhaps, yet tinged with relief.

Explore Zen Dageraad's depiction of transformation with a pink butterfly amidst a vivid backdrop, capturing the essence of change & constancy.

Sobriety

In Zen Dageraad's evocative creation, a vivid pink butterfly takes center stage, contrasting beautifully with its background that transitions from a warm orange at the top to a serene green-blue below. The segmented shades used within both the butterfly and the backdrop lend depth and dimension, drawing viewers into the story behind the piece. Zen Dageraad reveals his journey of personal transition and self-discovery, reminiscent of the transformative phases of a caterpillar to a butterfly. After quitting a daily habit of smoking weed, the artist experienced a paradox: a significant change externally, yet feeling internally unchanged. This nuanced duality is captured with the butterfly, suggesting that while we may undergo profound transformations, our core essence remains intact.

Experience the cold embrace of the pines in Zen Dageraad's painting inspired by Smog's song, enriched with whimsical colors and a nostalgic musical narrative.

In The Pines

Drawing inspiration from the musically rich soundscape of Smog's "In the Pines", artist Zen Dageraad ventures into a cold, mystical realm in his work. Although the exact narrative of the song remains a mystery to Zen Dageraad, its essence evoking images of a pine-laden escape, carries through in his artistry. The artist first crossed paths with the tune through a heartrending cover by Nirvana, "Where Did You Sleep Last Night", adding layers of historical and emotional context to this painting.

Amidst the soft, light blue backdrop, Zen Dageraad plants a thicket of pines with contrasting orange trunks and verdant leaves, symbolizing both tranquility and stark reality. A pink railroad whimsically cuts through, bearing a purple train with bright yellow wheels, a literal and figurative vehicle transporting viewers into the chilliness of the pines evoked in the song. The fusion of colors not only accentuates the cold but brings a surreal warmth, an homage to the tune's ambivalence.

Explore Zen Dageraad's poignant portrayal of enduring sickness, capturing the yearning for past vitality and the disquiet of bodily alienation.

Unpleasant body

In a profound reflection of enduring physical ailment, Zen Dageraad translates his disquiet into visual form. The painting materializes after two grueling months of illness, embodying the alienation and desperate yearning for prior vitality. It’s an earnest confrontation with the body, a domicile now unfamiliar and uncomfortable. A dissonance depicted through a purple figure, seated despondently above a green blob, symbolic perhaps of malaise or distorted self-image. The background cradles a lighter green square amidst a soothing pink, a stark contrast that might denote longing and the ceaseless confines of physicality.

The imagery resonates with the universal sentiment of longing for escape from a fleshly prison during lingering sickness, yet being inescapably tethered to it. Through an evocative palette and simple yet emotive shapes, Zen invites viewers into a visceral narrative, unveiling not just personal vulnerability but the shared, human endeavor to find ease amidst dis-ease.

Discover Zen Dageraad's captivating artwork, a gentle narrative of youthful curiosity and delight, illustrated through a warm lamp's glow against a serene backdrop.

Valentijn's Lamp

In this evocative piece by Zen Dageraad, an innocent exploration is tenderly encapsulated. At the core of the artwork lies the curious essence of a young child, embodied through the depiction of a pink hand pointing at an orange lamp. The narrative unfolds within the simplistic yet profound act of a baby nephew's constant pointing, a mere observation that carries the beauty of discovery and the endless wonders seen through youthful eyes. The lamp, characterized by varying shades to establish depth, emanates a warm, orange glow across the canvas, embodying the child’s enthusiasm in every radiating streak of light against a cool blue backdrop. The contrasting coolness of the background further accentuates the warmth, making it a tender tableau of a child’s fascinated interaction with the mundane. This piece not only celebrates the naive inquisitiveness of youth but also preserves the fleeting moments of sheer amazement in the ordinary.

Delve into Zen Dageraad's visual narrative on hope's comforting embrace amidst adversity, portrayed through a vibrant tree under a radiant sun, evoking depth and emotion.

Hope Is Everything

Exploring the profound theme of hope amidst adversity, Zen Dageraad creates a stirring narrative through a vibrant visual metaphor. The art encapsulates the artist's journey through illness and the comforting warmth of hope that eased his voyage, albeit devoid of the anticipated recovery. The piece immerses viewers in a realm where the green tree stands tall with uniquely shaped leaves in varying shades, symbolizing life and resilience, orchestrating a serene dance with depth and perception.

The ground below, illustrated with different shapes and shades of orange, holds the tree steadfast, providing a contrasting warm palette that symbolizes the bittersweet reality. Above, a sun radiates beams of light amidst a purple sky, embodying the nurturing essence of hope that propels life forward. The technique of color variance and shape diversity utilized by Zen Dageraad creates an enthralling visual depth, drawing observers into the narrative, enlightening them on the indispensable virtue of hope, which unveils a comforting perspective amidst life's unpredictable journey.

Explore Zen Dageraad's artwork capturing the struggle of joy amidst prolonged sickness. Dual windows depict time's swift passage in vibrant hues.

Too Sick To Be Happy

In Zen Dageraad's evocative artwork, the central figure – portrayed green with striking red hair – stands in stark contrast to a room adorned with hues of pink intermingling with green-blue walls. The figure's evident frown echoes the challenge of finding joy after battling illness for an extended period. The dichotomy of the room's two windows offers a poignant commentary on the fleeting nature of time. To the left, a window frames the solemn moon, twinkling stars, and a brooding night sky; to the right, a window reveals the radiant sun against a bright backdrop. Both serve as reminders of time's relentless march, even when one feels stagnant. The choice of a purple floor, grounding the entire piece, further amplifies the internal turmoil Zen experienced during a prolonged period of ill health.

Explore Zen Dageraad's visual narrative delving into the emotional labyrinth of family dynamics amid depression. A poignant rendition of helplessness and hope.

I Can't Help

Unveiling the underlying turmoil of familial bonds, Zen Dageraad explores the emotional whirlpool encircling depression and the consequential ripple effect through a compelling artwork. The piece gravitates towards the complicated relationship between his mother and sister, subtly unravelling their internal battles which inevitably embroil him.

The visual narrative is marked by three striking figures, bathed in hues of purple with contrasting green facial accents and yellow locks, each symbolizing a member of this intertwined emotional saga. At the forefront, a sizeable figure, representing Zen, echoes a gesture of helplessness, reminiscing his nephew’s habitual shrug, mirroring his own cluelessness amidst the turmoil.

To the top left, a tear-streaked figure illustrates the despair of his mother, entwined in the agonizing helplessness over his sister's depression. Adjacently, the sister’s figure, depicted holding her legs, is stripped of a mouth, symbolizing her battle with depression that leaves her feeling voiceless.

Their melancholy is framed within a red backdrop in varied shades, sketching the heated, yet helpless atmosphere surrounding them. It’s not merely a portrayal of a personal struggle, but a broad stroke of empathy extended towards those entangled in the tender, often painful, strings of familial emotions.

Zen Dageraad's art mirrors Matisse's self-reflection on past works, showcasing a vivid canvas scene amid purple-shaded backgrounds.

Matisse's Shame

Inspired by the poignant reflections of Henri Matisse on his past creations, Zen Dageraad presents a profound visual narrative that interlaces with the words: "so matisse said he was ashamed of his older work. No need, of course, but sure, I get it matisse. I know what you mean." This sentiment, echoed by many artists including Zen Dageraad, underscores the evolution of an artist’s perspective over time.

Zen Dageraad's piece is a vibrant tableau of emotions. At its forefront, a blue-green canvas, touched by a pink brush, stands proud, framed in passionate red. Behind it, an orange window captures the viewer's gaze. A luminescent yellow light cascades from a green string, illuminating the scene. The backdrop features three purple stripes, each filled with varying shades, crafting a room that resonates with the soul's introspection.


Discover the whimsical lights of Den Bosch through Zen Dageraad's artistic lens, painting a love poem of colors onto the crooked streets of this quaint city.

Den Bosch Her Lights

The enchanting allure of Den Bosch, vividly encapsulated by Zen Dageraad in his art piece, interweaves whimsy and a keen eye for the unique lighting that bathes the city. The narrative encapsulated within the visual splendor of the piece resonates poetically with the sentiments echoed in the verse, "i love den bosch / even more / whenever i am / looking up / & notice / the incredible lights / painting the town / & lighting / the crooked streets." Zen Dageraad's drawing delicately captures the essence of Den Bosch's crooked streets, illuminated by whimsical lights that dance across the quaint cityscape.

The piece unfolds a quaint scene, a labyrinth of red edifices leaning in disparate directions, adorned by a cascade of blue-green lights stretching from the bottom left to the center middle right. These illuminations, a yellow hue at the source, cast a gentle glow on the purple road below, contrasting beautifully with the variegated shades of green that make up the sidewalk. As one's gaze drifts upward, a soft pink sky segmented into abstract forms cradles fluffy blue clouds, also creatively subdivided. It's a poetic spectacle, a love letter to Den Bosch, that melds color, light, and structure into a visually resonant narrative, inviting one to explore the city's charming streets under the tender glow of its lights.

Experience the mystique of Zen Dageraad's artwork, where a serene bike path unfolds tales of psychedelic explorations and a journey towards the unknown.







Distant Figure

Embark on a visual journey along a mystical bike path depicted in Zen Dageraad's evocative art piece. This work immerses the observer in a serene yet eerie pathway located behind the Jeroen Bosch hospital in Den Bosch, as traversed by the artist frequently. The scenery, imbued with the spectral resonance of a past psychedelic adventure, unveils a distant figure marching towards a blue realm, embodying the haunting allure of the unknown. The narrative is enriched with a whimsical poem, a tribute to the path's natural psychedelic aura even in the absence of truffles, alluding to a memorable day of curious exploration turned awry.

The meticulous design employs a myriad of shades and shapes to engineer depth and perspective. A yellow path, methodically sectioned and shaded, guides one's sight towards a purple distant figure venturing into a blue enclave, evoking a sense of mystery and anticipation. Adjacent, the yellow-green grass and pink-trunked trees with verdant leaves exhibit a similar geometric technique, delivering a surreal yet grounded frame. A solitary red bench witnesses the scene, a silent testament to past experiences, as told through the prism of psychedelic truffles, friendship, and the unexpected voyage into the depths of consciousness.

The essence of transcendent discovery, the blend of cool and warm tones, alongside a narrative enriched by poetic reminiscence, makes this piece a profound exploration of reality and perception, perceived soberly or under an altered state.

Explore Zen Dageraad's evocative artistry that blends nature's serene beauty with the imaginative spark of a lighted boat amidst a colorful, tranquil setting.

Boat With Light

Embark on a whimsical journey with Zen Dageraad's captivating artwork that brilliantly intertwines the natural allure of daylit serenity with a spark of imaginative flame. As one strolls through the serene landscapes of Den Bosch, the eye is caught by a quaint boat, its lantern aglow despite the midday sun. Though the light vies against the sun's brilliance, achieving little to illuminate, yet it becomes the muse for a poetic and artistic endeavor. The modest boat, brightly painted in shades of pink, becomes the protagonist in the artistry, amid a well-designed backdrop crafted meticulously with shapes and shades depicting nature in its quiet, colorful splendor. The bottom teems with shades of green, representing grass, creating a soft contrast to the cool hues that fill the surroundings.

To the left, tunnels adorned in soothing purples draw a gentle mystery, while above, more green hues blend harmoniously with dark purples, cradling another tunnel exuding a lighter purple glow. Amidst this orchestrated color play rests the boat, with red benches awaiting stories and a yellow light at its prow, shining a path of imagination. The delicate contrast of dark and light blue around the boat further enriches the scene, under the soft gaze of an orange sun that casts a light blue reflection beside the boat. The sky, a canvas of blue-green with varying shades, adds depth, embodying the boundless sky of imagination triggered by the sight of the little boat. The narrative unfolds seamlessly, with each color and shape inviting the onlooker to a tranquil yet evocative realm where the mind sails freely, spurred by the simplistic yet profound light of the boat as echoed in the verse: 'just a little boat I saw, bravely shining a light...its light shines on, triggering my imagination.’

Explore Zen Dageraad's evocative artwork, a celestial blend of colors and emotions illustrating a profound bond. Delve into the melancholic yet hopeful narrative through visual and poetic strokes.

Dark Side Of The Moon

Immerse in the ethereal narrative exuded by Zen Dageraad's poignant art piece, a juxtaposition of melancholy and celestial beauty. The work envelopes viewers in an otherworldly tableau, exemplified by a central moon with contrasting visages. A harmonious blend of colors narrates a somber yet sublime tale - the light blue on the open-eyed left, shifts to a dark blue on the closed-eyed right. The face, encased in a tender pink outline, releases a green tear from its veiled eye, symbolizing hidden anguish amidst cosmic elegance.

Zen Dageraad's artwork is an ode to the tranquil yet melancholic nuances of his sister's disposition, vividly depicted against a background dotted with yellow stars and blanketed in vibrant purple. The emotional resonance is deepened by the tender verses, "my sister is both the moon & a starry night, I wish I knew how to make it right." Every stroke and hue melds with the evocative lines, crafting a dialogue between melancholy and hope, echoing the haunting tunes of "The Dark Side of the Moon" that inspired this visual narrative.

Zen Dageraad's art captures the legacy of Mark Rothko, exploring the bond between artist & artwork. Poignant commentary on appreciation & context.

Love, Don't Kill The Artist

Capturing the essence of the relationship between the artist and their art, Zen Dageraad presents a poignant commentary on the legacy of artists. The piece juxtaposes a portrait of Mark Rothko, framed within a heart, with one of his iconic artworks, "Untitled (Blue Divided by Blue)," side by side on a wall. The vivid setting is painted in varying shades of red; from the lightest hue on the floor to the darker shades on the surrounding walls. A striking purple bench sits on the ground, casting a deep red shadow, flanked by a green door and window.

Inspired by a personal conversation about Picasso's sketches and how context influences art appreciation, the piece delves into the paradoxical nature of artists' lives and legacies. Rothko's intent to "kill the artist" culminated tragically in his own death. Yet, the art remains, and in part because of his tragic end, it is now extremely popular.

Zen Dageraad's piece delves into Zoomer sentiment, contrasting a laughing green face against red frowns, paired with a contemplative poem.

Too Contrarian To Be Sad

A commentary on the contemporary sentiment of the Zoomer generation. At its heart, a green face with distinctive features – a full left eye contrasting with a right-facing one, eyebrows extending into the nose and ear, a subtle mole, a hint of a mustache, and an infectious laughter. The face's rich green hue, outlined with a deeper green, contrasts starkly against the lighter blue that dominates the top, symbolizing perhaps a rare moment of joy in a sea of melancholy. Flowing from the top is a cascade of hair, outlined in light yellow but filled with a more intense shade, embodying vibrant energy and movement. But at the base lie three red frowning faces, underscoring the prevalent sadness. Between them, a deeper blue pervades, drawing a line between jubilation and sorrow. Accompanying the image is a poignant verse that contemplates sadness and identity: "i am not sad... & there is that."

Experience Zen Dageraad's art: A brilliant portrayal of anxiety in a gentle encounter. Colors and lines blend, revealing vulnerability's nuanced narrative.

Still Anxiety

Immerse yourself in Zen Dageraad's exquisite exploration of human vulnerability and anxiety, encapsulated through this remarkable artwork. The narrative unfolds on a simple path, where two entities cross; a cheerful figure greets with a wave and a smile, mirrored in hues of light to dark blue. A seeming non-threat, yet this interaction invokes an unsettling response in the other figure.

The second character's reaction embodies the artist's personal interpretation of anxiety, expressed as a Scream-inspired visage; light blue terror morphing into darker tones of dread, magnifying the metaphorical punch that transforms a smile into a source of anxiety.

The path they tread, starting from the bottom right, sways left before a rightward curve, disappearing into a deep purple forest. An orange sign, adorned with a forward-pointing arrow, accentuates the singular direction of their journey. Surrounding this path, you'll find three trees with teal leaves and two distinctive purple lakes, adding serene complexity to the vivid tableau.

The striking color palette continues with the sky and ground, brushed in gradients of red, complemented by the outlines in bold yellow, adding a profound sense of depth. Zen Dageraad's ingenuity is reflected in his ability to transform a peaceful scenario into a vivid depiction of distress, prompting a profound introspection on how the seemingly benign can sometimes be a source of disquiet.

Dive into Zen Dageraad's art: a colorful tapestry of sibling bonds & struggle, harmonizing chaos & calm with poetic symbolism.

Sisters

Immerse yourself in the profound storytelling of Zen Dageraad's evocative art piece. This poignant narrative unfolds through symbolic illustrations of his two sisters, each battling their unique storms. The elder sister, encapsulated in turbulent, lightning-touched clouds, exudes an aura of tempestuous fury, while the younger radiates melancholic moonlight, a silent testimony to her grappling with depression.

Embellished with diverse hues, the artwork oscillates between serene blues and fiery oranges, suggesting a symbiotic relationship between calm and chaos. The soft blue-green dots on the dark clouds and the moon's yellow outline against the stark purple backdrop add a surreal quality, reflecting the sisters' complex personas.

The art further unfolds with a poignant poem, "sometimes the dawn seems far away", reinforcing the themes of emotional turbulence and resilience. It personifies the sun as the ever-fierce, melting maternal figure, symbolizing hope amidst despair. The 'red rain' and 'green stars' add to the contrasting visual palette, highlighting the dichotomy of their lived experiences.

This art piece offers a unique lens to the intricacies of familial bonds, embarking on a journey through emotional landscapes of love, struggle, and perpetual hope.

Zen Dageraad's art captures the essence of family's unwavering strength amidst challenges, blending vibrant hues and powerful symbolism.

Family

Discover the narrative depths and symbolic resonance in Zen Dageraad's vivid creation. The piece eloquently illustrates a family's complex dynamic under a stormy metaphorical sky, personifying life's perennial challenges. Three vibrant, green figures are prominently featured; a representation of Zen's mother, holding an embodiment of Valentijn, and his father, brushing a radiant sun onto the backdrop. Their resilience shines, even as an overcast cloud shrouds them.

A moon in the corner weeps, reflecting melancholy and struggle, juxtaposed by a wall embellished with twinkling stars. Across the room, a purple door on another wall implies untold stories and potential exits. Above it all, the sun, bifurcated in colors, echoes Zen's personal journey, portraying himself amidst the familial landscape.

Dominating the scene, ominous blue clouds cast an expressive face upon the family, while varying shades of pink create dimensional depth, manifesting the emotional spectrum within the familial setting. This masterful blend of colors, symbols, and emotions is a testament to Zen's keen artistic and introspective prowess. Despite the looming cloud, the family persists, embodying resilience and hope, and painting their own sunshine.

Dive into Zen Dageraad's artistic exploration of identity and success in art. The piece, through color and poetry, questions what it means to be an 'artistic failure.'

Artistic Failure

Immerse yourself in Zen Dageraad's introspective exploration of identity and artistic journey. The piece captures a poignant narrative through the written word and vivid visuals. Dageraad uses colors and figures to echo the sentiments conveyed in his striking poem. "This is not me," he begins, alluding to a face in the top right corner, its sadness underscored by a light red hue and a purple eye filled with longing.

The intricacy lies in the details. Three arms, filled with darker red, extend from the head. Two hands, gesturing in a begging pose, carry 3 coins and an artwork bearing the creator's signature. A hint of self-doubt, perhaps, or a reflection of the commercial trials faced by Dageraad. Yet, his affirmations of artistic success are mirrored in the vibrant pink walls adorned with stark white paintings, and the dark blue door suggesting possibilities beyond.

His work culminates with a second eye at the bottom, lighter purple and equally compelling, positioned next to a wall. Overhead, the split canvas casts a darker yellow shadow on the floor, as if it absorbs the sentiments echoed in the artwork. Despite its original title, 'commercial failure,' this piece effectively contests the notion of failure, both commercially and artistically.

Experience Zen Dageraad's artistic vision of his solitary confinement in his studio, brought to life with vibrant colors and intriguing symbolism.

Trapped In Studio

In Zen Dageraad's vivid interpretation of his week-long solitude, one feels the intensity of confinement. Bounded by yellow-outlined walls adorned with whimsical purple sketches, he brings his creations to life, echoing a feeling of being besieged. His artistry transforms the corners of the room into separate entities; the bottom left and top right walls cloaked in a midnight blue hue.

The centerpiece, slightly shifted to the left, is an eye painted in shades of azure, perched upon a contrasting green chair. The seat, casting a shadow of deep blue, seems to radiate an uncanny sentient aura. The eye, amidst the confinement, glows with anticipation and curious exploration.

To the right, an overhead lamp spills soft pink light across the room, playing on the chair, the diligent eye, and a table angled distinctively from the seat. This table, tinted with the same blue as the top-left wall, hosts a variety of brushes dipped in vibrant colors—pink, green, yellow, purple, and blue. They symbolize the artist's coping mechanism, creating amidst isolation, hinting at the brushes' role in manifesting this 'in-studio' entrapment.

Against the light blue backdrop of the floor, the shadowed furniture and multi-hued palette brings forth a tableau of immersive creativity birthed out of solitude and illness. Thus, Zen Dageraad's artwork captures the relentlessness of his own creations, a testimony of the artist confined, yet defiant in his own studio-museum.

Experience Zen Dageraad's vivid portrayal of summer's unforgiving heat, embodied in an abstract face amidst a fiery backdrop. A must-see visual symphony!

Way Too Hot

Dive into Zen Dageraad's unique artistic interpretation of the sweltering summer heat. Experience an intense fusion of warm hues—fiery red, dark orange, and sun-kissed yellow—that sets a backdrop emulating the unforgiving heatwave. The piece evokes a feeling of waking up in the wee hours, seeking refuge in the slightly cooler atmosphere of the morning.

In the heart of this visual symphony is an abstract face, meticulously outlined by a single blue line flanked by two lavender strokes. The face appears distorted, melting under the severe heat, with a jumbo eye shining red with a dash of yellow, reflecting the burning surroundings. A wide mouth, awash in rich purple hues, appears to emit a silent scream, underlining the intensity of the scene.

Echoing the torment of the heat, sweat trails the face, etched in vibrant pink with a purple-blue contour. The hair, just a triplet, stands stiff, framing the surrealist portrait. The palette, predominantly green for the face, purple for the mouth, and pink for the tears, adds to the dramatic intensity, making the artwork a captivating ode to the relentless summer heat.

Explore Zen Dageraad's captivating art piece, illustrating an awkward encounter through vivid colors and expressive caricatures.

Somebody Touched My Hair

The essence of an awkward encounter through an imaginative blend of visuals and text. The artwork captures the innocent act of grocery shopping being interrupted by a stranger’s unwarranted touch. Zen Dageraad employs an expressive caricature with light blue hues, enhanced by the striking contrast of a dark blue border, to convey the protagonist's emotions. Red blush on the caricature’s face and the lengthening of four exaggerated brown hairs suggest both surprise and discomfort.

Another arm, belonging to the intrusive lady, extends from the left, caressing the protagonist's hair. This interaction takes place under an unconventional light source, depicted in an arresting green with purple borders, casting green highlights and shadows on the figures and objects. The light also plays with the depth perception by interacting with the three yellow-tinted edges in the background. Zen Dageraad's use of color, shadow, and lines lends the piece an engaging depth, making a simple interaction profoundly resonant.

Immerse in Den Bosch's tranquil charm with Zen Dageraad's art of Moerputtenbrug, fusing vivid hues and poetic storytelling. Discover daybreak's enchantment.

Moerputtenbrug

Zen Dageraad invites you on a tranquil journey to the heart of Den Bosch, through his immersive artwork featuring the Moerputtenbrug, an iconic landmark surrounded by natural beauty. Bathed in the soft glow of dawn, the bridge stands majestic and serene in hues of vibrant yellow and a soothing palette of oranges, as if personifying the stillness of an early morning in a nature reserve.

From the bottom left corner, your eyes are drawn to the curving bridge, guiding you to the top right. The orange railings and pillars, darker on one edge, gracefully descend into the surrounding water, enhancing the depth of the scene. A subtle purple border encapsulates the entire vista, tying together the elements with a flourish of color.

In the distance, lush green trees rise, their vivid trunks casting playful reflections on the water, subtly tinted a darker shade under the bridge, and a brighter green under the foliage. The scene is completed with a sprinkle of green water lilies that adorn the water surface, a silent testament to the region's rich ecology.

The artwork, with its intricate detailing and thoughtful composition, echoes Zen Dageraad's poignant sentiment beautifully captured in his poem, a tribute to the beloved Moerputtenbrug. Each line resonates with the profound tranquility and age-old charm the landscape exudes, encapsulating the essence of what it feels like to be the first visitor on a peaceful morning.

Discover Zen Dageraad's vibrant tableau inspired by a lyric from 'The Ballad of John and Yoko'. An artistic blend of color, poetry, and perspective.

Two Gurus In Drag

Wrapped in the vibrant world of Zen Dageraad's artistry, we uncover an unusual tableau - two figures, encapsulated in striking shades of green, comfortably tucked into a bed, their sprawling purple tresses cascading to the edges of the page. The figures, reminiscent of two gurus in disguise, present an intriguing scene, their presence complemented by a curious red guitar with a dark red border, resting on the bed's edge.

Strangely enough, it's the bed that first catches our attention - its sides colored in varied hues of blue, creating an offbeat perspective, its borders bathed in a vibrant yellow, a hue echoed by the pillows cradled on its surface. A blue-green lamp, casting an orange glow, stands partially obscured by the bed, offering an odd sense of displacement. Framing the room are two windows, subtly shaded in differing purples, overlooking a backdrop of red walls and a pink floor, while a duo of flowers rests quietly at the bottom.

Drawing inspiration from a cryptic lyric within 'The Ballad of John and Yoko' by The Beatles, this masterpiece subtly weaves in a narrative echoed by a heartfelt poem. The artist's words offer a soothing refrain – 'it ain’t easy, I agree, and I won’t crucify you, instead, I drew an ode to the ballad of yoko & you.' A journey through layers of visual storytelling and poetic language, Zen Dageraad's work is a truly memorable experience.

Experience Zen Dageraad's vibrant reimagining of a musical classic, a journey of empowerment through captivating colors and meaningful symbolism

Boots Made For Walkin'

In Zen Dageraad's tribute to Nancy Sinatra's classic tune, the creative fusion of vivid colors and daring symbolism commands your attention. The heart of the piece lies in two green boots, their vibrancy echoing the lyrics 'nancy's boots were white & mine are green'. As if strutting down an orange road bordered by purple, the boots' journey mirrors the song's message, that of walking all over you.

The orange path narrows into the distance, outlined by a fresh green, implying an endless journey of empowerment. Overlaid on this scene is a background meshed with four different shades of blues, a visual symphony that transforms the verse 'have you seen these hues? four shades of blues!' into a breathtaking spectacle.

At the center, a dark pink eye gazes at you, and another waits at the end of the road. These elements symbolize the singer's unflinching determination and future conquests, culminating in an artwork that boldly articulates the essence of the song.

Discover Zen Dageraad's breathtaking art, merging vivid hues and nature's beauty. Inspired by poetic words, his buzzing bees ignite a vibrant ode to creativity.

Bees

Immerse yourself in the whimsical world of Zen Dageraad's expressive art piece, born from an evening of shared creativity and camaraderie. Drawing inspiration from a friend's book filled with engaging poems and captivating illustrations, the featured bees took flight in his imagination, culminating in an effusion of colors.

Two vibrant bees, bathed in surreal hues of blue and orange stripes, command attention with their pulsating red eyes. Their wings, a curious concoction of purples, contrast with their bodies, drawing one's gaze. They flutter above a unique landscape, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary through the artist's lens. Four ruby-red trees, each outlined by dual crimson lines, punctuate the scene with their vivid presence.

A solitary flower, an understated emerald spectacle lined with blue, anchors the image on the left. Above, a cotton candy cloud fringed with purple outlines the horizon, subtly shifting between two shades of pink. All of this set against a backdrop of a radiant yellow sky that transitions into a warmer, sun-like orange at the farthest corner.

The terrain is an amalgam of green and blue shades, hinting at Zen's trademark style of blending elements. Shadows cast by the trees and bees ripple on the darker green-blue surface, amplifying the sense of depth. The piece demonstrates an intelligent color palette strategy, with the sky, cloud, and ground reflecting each other’s hues, showcasing a cohesive unity amidst the diversity.

Discover Zen Dageraad's stunning interpretation of Mac Demarco's 'You're Out', an artwork laden with emotional depth, vibrancy, and a tale of regret's futility.

You're out

Delve into the exquisite visual narrative crafted by Zen Dageraad, an embodiment of Mac Demarco's song 'You're Out.' Focusing on the theme of regret's futility, Zen Dageraad brings to life an emotionally charged scene. A lone figure, ensconced in a bed of layered green hues, stares into oblivion. Their surrounding environment, a bedroom painted in variegated shades of red, sets the mood for deep introspection. The poignant details of purple bed lines and orange drawers, encased within bold red borders, provide a stunning contrast.

In the corner of the room, a window serves as the canvas for a larger, piercing eye, its blue-green panes reflecting an exterior world. Through the strokes of Zen Dageraad's brush, an element of voyeurism comes alive as the eye gazes upon the scene, intensifying the melancholy. The presence of a nearby lamp casting yellow light subtly adds depth, bathing all in its warm glow and outlining the existing elements.

The brilliance of Zen Dageraad's work lies in its ability to portray an ordinary moment with extraordinary emotion and depth, echoing the poignant words, 'you’re out, you might as well face it & take it lying down.' Each color, shade, and line in the artwork furthers the narrative of the scene, making it a heartrending visual poem of acceptance, regret, and quiet introspection.

Dive into Zen Dageraad's depiction of Dutch windmills, where skilful artistry meets poetic narrative, offering a fresh perspective on the familiar.

Windmill

A compelling tribute to the timeless Dutch windmill - or wind turbine, as he affectionately terms it. Framed by towering trees dwarfed in its majesty, the windmill, drawn with immaculate detail, reigns supreme, echoing the artist's deep-rooted connection to this symbol of his homeland.

His deft strokes breathe life into a panoramic landscape, illuminated under an unobstructed sun. Its brilliance subtly mirrored in the golden halo encircling the drifting clouds and reflected by the sun-kissed flowers gracing the foreground. These elements coalesce, achieving an illusion of depth - a testament to Zen Dageraad's keen eye for perspective.

The accompanying verse resonates with this visual narrative. It tells a tale of a journey, where an ordinary encounter with a windmill magnifies into a transformative moment. As the poem echoes the windmill's enormity, it becomes a metaphor for shifting perspectives - a recognition of the colossal within the commonplace, artfully captured by Zen Dageraad.

Unearth societal privilege in Zen Dageraad's artwork. A deep dive into artistic equity, visual metaphors, and poetic narratives.

Shoulders Of Silver Spoons

Immersing oneself in Zen Dageraad's poignant masterpiece, you're invited to explore a candid reflection on societal realities and the artist's yearning for equal opportunity. Enigmatically framed with two silvery symbols of privilege and happenstance, the piece provocatively challenges the status quo of artistic meritocracy. The symbols, appearing as both spoons and crosses, allow for a duality of interpretation, suggesting both inherited advantage and the spiritual undertones of sacrifice.

Inherent in this work, is Zen Dageraad's homage to the wisdom of Isaac Newton, a concept that seems to offer some solace to the artist's contemplation of disparity. Visual metaphor conveys the artist's aspiration to ascend, to gain a unique viewpoint despite societal restrictions. The single eye balancing atop these 'privileged shoulders' imbues a sense of vulnerability and resilience, underscoring the universal struggle of seeking truth and wisdom amidst inequality.

A profound lamentation echoes through Zen Dageraad's poetic prose, further resonating the melancholic, yet defiant spirit of this piece. The verses intricately weave into the visual narrative, reinforcing the desire to access insights of great minds, albeit from a disadvantaged standpoint.

Discover beauty in Zen Dageraad's art - a vibrant tribute to nature, calling viewers to find greatness in life's unexpected corners

Forest

Explore the vibrant embrace of nature through Zen Dageraad's unique artistic perspective. Inspired by a hidden pocket of serenity, this illustration brings to life a miniature world nestled amongst urban dwellings. The focus is a length of water, flanked by towering trees - a scene of simple beauty, yet it captivates with its sheer verdant allure.

Breaking from reality's color palette, Dageraad employs vivid hues to imbue depth and intrigue. The water dances in an unnatural blue, reflecting the red tree trunks that defy convention with their green and purple tones. Leaves don a striking orange, contrasted by the pink reflections dancing on the water's surface. The grass basks in yellow, subtly shifting to a darker shade under the tree's shadow, conveying depth and dimension.

Despite the unusual perspective that reveals hidden layers, the message remains grounded in nature appreciation. The art echoes the sentiments of a poem - finding beauty and greatness in the simplest, most unexpected places, if only one knows how to look.

Pablo

Drawing upon the poignant rhythm of the roadrunners' song, this artwork captures the essence of an older, more distinguished figure, reminiscent of the iconic artist Pablo Picasso. A subtle tribute to his unyielding charisma and undeniable talent, the piece is infused with a sense of both respect and humor.

The accompanying poem echoes a familial appreciation of the artist's brilliance, an aspect that is humorously contrasted by the suggestion that the artist was not without his faults. The piece encapsulates the song's dry wit, reflecting on the artist's romantic success despite his short stature, a playful nod to Picasso's renowned allure.

The artwork itself mirrors the artist in his later years. The lines, shapes, and forms pay homage to Picasso's distinct style, yet they are layered with a unique interpretation that adds depth to the piece. The creator's love for Picasso's work is evident, making this art piece a thoughtful and entertaining exploration of the artist's identity, legacy, and the impressions he left behind.

This subtle blend of admiration, humor, and critique offers a multifaceted perspective on the artist's life, highlighting his influence while also acknowledging his humanity. As such, the artwork and its accompanying poem present a captivating tribute to Picasso, illustrating the enduring impact of his work and personality.​

BlueJayWay

Inspired by a Beatles' song penned by George Harrison, the artwork encapsulates the ethereal, psychedelic vibe of the track. It paints an evocative scene of Harrison lounging on a bench, hands clasped, wrestling with the lure of sleep.

The piece is underscored by a poem, a surreal fusion of George Harrison and Lewis Carroll's worlds. It playfully warns of the danger of falling into a rabbit hole and becoming an opium-smoking caterpillar, a nod to Carroll's fantastical universe. The poem poses a poignant question, who has lost their way? Is it the song's friends or is it the song's creator himself?

The artwork and the poem together create a tantalizing narrative, blurring the line between reality and dreams, individuality and universality. It's a reflection on the nature of identity, a kaleidoscopic journey that invites viewers to ponder, is it really them or is it really you?

Stairs

An enigmatic art piece that breathes life into an ordinary setting through an imaginative blend of colors and elements. At first glance, the art captures one's attention with its dominant yellow railings, evoking a sense of intrigue. A poem accompanying the piece gracefully expresses that, although not as magical as the yellow brick road, the combination of yellow railings with various shades of pink and green resonates deeply, with a captivating charm.

The artist uses different shades of roses to impart depth to the walls, while the contrasting shades of green render depth to the stairs. The lines of the building and stairs are consistently colored to maintain harmony. A prominent, striking element is the eye embedded in the wall, paying homage to Kees van Dongen, whose captivating eyes seem to haunt the artist’s consciousness.

Interestingly, the perspective in #512 Stairs is a tad peculiar, adding an abstract layer that challenges the viewer's perception. The piece, overall, is a vivid tapestry that creatively elevates the mundane.

10 Minute Wait

A captivating art piece that vividly depicts the fleeting nature of time and the anxiety that often accompanies anticipation. Rendered in a palette restricted to three primary colors - yellow, red, and blue - along with additional shades of dark blue and orange-pink, this piece is a visual representation of an individual’s struggle with time. The dark blue figure, ostensibly agitated, is seated on an orange-pink chair that casts a subtle shadow, suggesting the presence and passage of time.

At the core of this art is a poignant poem that resonates with the painting, encompassing the essence of the frustrating, yet sometimes zen-like moments of waiting.

In essence, #511 10 Minute Wait is an ode to the internal conflict that arises when the mind is torn between the present and the impending future.

Grassfield

An enthralling art piece that effortlessly blends visual charm with poetic allure. The painting portrays a serene landscape, with three trees meticulously aligned in a perspective that guides the viewer's gaze into the horizon. Each tree exhibits masterful gradient shading, growing darker towards the base to suggest depth.

In the mid-ground, animated birds are soaring gracefully, with delicate shadows beneath them, immersing the viewer into this idyllic landscape. The grass field is speckled with vibrant flowers, adding a touch of whimsy to the painting. Strokes of yellow are masterfully used to represent both the flowers in the field and the stars in the sky, forming a recurring motif across the canvas.

Accompanying this visual delight is an evocative poem. The words gently prompt one to seek simplicity and contentment through nature’s embrace, resonating with the effortless beauty of the art piece.

In essence, #510 Grassfield is more than just a painting; it is an invitation to discover tranquility and wonder through the simplistic splendor of nature.

Chaos

An introspective and captivating self-portrait by Zen Dageraad Visser. A symphony of symbolism and self-reflection, this piece embarks on a journey into the artist's inner world. The canvas is adorned with sweeping locks of hair, representing not only a physical attribute but also an allegory for how the artist’s tresses often cloud his own vision. Adding a dash of humor and desire, a pronounced moustache takes center stage, underlining Zen's personal aspirations.

Additionally, the artist's eyes are veiled behind glasses, which may signify a protective barrier due to his introverted nature or a simple divergence from his usual 'Kees van Dongen' style eyes. The background intermingles three harmonious colors, subtly whispering of complexity and unity.

Accompanying the artwork is a whimsical poem, which reinforces the elements and adds depth to the narrative. Through light-hearted verse, it invites viewers to experience the essence of Zen, who symbolically dawns as a reflection of everyman. In #508 Zen, Dageraad Visser brilliantly intertwines raw self-portrayal with evocative symbolism.

Chopin

An emotive art piece that plunges into the psyche of the renowned composer, Frédéric Chopin. Through a stunning blend of colors and elements, this piece visually represents how Chopin, known for his introverted nature, would seek solace in his piano, particularly his emotionally-laden preludes. The artwork’s focal point is a tear, meticulously constructed using a triad of colors, symbolizing the depth of emotions flowing through Chopin. Additionally, the face, depicted in a singular hue, portrays a sense of detachment with the nose turned away from the piano, while the eye engages the viewer, seeking understanding and connection.

The background’s amalgamation of three colors sets a poignant tone, harmonizing with the piece's central theme. Accompanying the art piece is a contemporary poem, which converses with ‘Freddy’ (Chopin), appreciating the enchanting yet painful world he shared through his music. #507 Chopin is an eloquent tribute, thanking the maestro for the timeless gift of his music.

Hi I'm Zen Dageraad, I've lived in Den Bosch for my entire life and currently, I live in a museum

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