Walter van Oel (The Hague, 1942) is a Dutch artist who has distinguished himself with his poetic abstraction. He has had solo exhibitions in, among others, the Stedelijk Museum Kampen and twice in the Museum Jan van der Togt in Amstelveen. He has also participated in exhibitions in the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, France, Indonesia, Spain and the United States. In 2017 he presented more than 30 paintings in the Artipico Art Gallery in Schiedam.
Walter studied at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague in the 1960s. He initially started with a realistic style, but soon developed a more abstract approach that was characterized by a deep spiritual and philosophical undertone. His work is strongly influenced by the cultures of the Far East, especially Buddhist culture. This is clearly reflected in his paintings, which have a sacred appearance.
Van Oel uses Byzantine colours, as well as a lot of gold and silver, which according to the artist refers to the relationship between the sun and the moon. His work is imbued with signs and symbols, fragments and hints that invite the viewer to travel with him into his inner world. The result is art that is based on a deeply personal experience of the world, and that radiates an enormous peace and balance. Despite his flamboyant personality, there is a serenity to be found in his work, often built up in layers that retain depth.
Walter van Oel creates a large part of his work in Bali (Indonesia), where the peaceful, spiritual environment has an important influence on his creations.
