Between Dogs and Cats

Between Dogs and Cats Jan-Hein Arens (Netherlands) Acrylic and ink on paper Size: 14" x 14" original painting in a 17" x 17" white window matting Concentrating on universally understood needs and emotions, Dutch artist Jan-Hein Arens is able to connect with every viewer and admirer of his works. Arens brings together humor and alienation through his paintings. The forefront is typically centered on a simplified figure and text that almost appears to be the thoughts of the figure. Often realistic drawings of body parts, common everyday objects or products are superimposed onto the foreground. Each piece is augmented with additional handwritten text detailing certain aspects of the piece in a comical tone. Paint splatters and rough brushstrokes fill out the remaining space in the paintings, allowing the figures and text to be the focus of each well-thought-out illustration.