Studio Visit With Brent Oudejans

This show is sponsored by Café 1505

By Maureen Mulhern, Caggio Blog Contributor
September 2010 • South Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This week I met with Brent Oudejans, Caggio's featured artist for September/October, in his South Milwaukee lakeside studio. With his show quickly approaching (September 17th - October 13), I chatted with the artist and UW-Parkside graduate, interested to learn more about his dynamic and explorative mixed media pieces. Like the journey itself to find his studio-- zigzagging streets in lakeside neighborhoods south of the city-- I found Oudejans conceptual roadmap to be a series of connections, points, and parallels building nonlinear themes with principles key to Eastern philosophies. Drawn from many sources-- yet tied together with universal spiritual continuity-- the artist shed light on some of his belief systems and how they have influenced and challenged his artistic process.

Oudejans identifies themes in Eastern philosophies that parallel his own belief systems. As Buddhism speaks to mindfulness and interconnectedness of existence; Chinese philosophy speaks to yin and yang; Hinduism speaks to the 6th chakra-- or third eye. All philosophies aspire for enlightenment, yet it is Buddhism the artist is most influenced by. For Oudejans enlightenment helps decipher the realistic from the idealistic world; the dark from the light; the esoteric from the exoteric. He explores how these opposing, interconnected forces can coexist. The artist uses other symbols to build his compositions: infinity, ichthys and astrological signs to name a few. These symbols inhabit a landscape often dark and cryptic-- creating tension-- exposing the human form in primeval states. He delves further, uncovering his own inherent struggle between darkness and light, bringing these issues to the forefront in a continuum of images. Layers and textures speak metaphorically-- skillfully sculpted, photographed, printed and painted-- resulting in what could be called an awakening.


In terms of process, Oudejans looks to Gestalt theory-- defining the unified whole-- and builds his compositions layer upon layer. Like an intricate patchwork of visual perception, parts that make up the whole are intentioned yet spontaneous. The artist often surprises himself with unanticipated outcomes. As a visual communicator, music helps him construct ideas and translate themes; Tool and Nine Inch Nails are key. Inspired by artists Andrew (Android) Jones and Alex Gray, Oudejans takes concept art--spiritual, even visionary art-- and makes it his own.


Oudejans describes himself foremost as a digital artist based in fine art. Paralleling his personal spiritual and intellectual journey, the artist combines sculpture, photography, digital design, canvas printing, painting and airbrush, wood working, and digital video into a distinct visual language. Pieces take months, sometimes years, to create as there are many elements working together to unify the whole. Palettes are unconventional. The artist is not only skilled in traditional sculpture, but staging, photography and digital art manipulation. Finishing the pieces consists of large scale digital printing, LED lighting in some cases, in addition to traditional application of acrylics, airbrush, stenciling, and fixatives.

We look forward to Oudejans upcoming show, a first with Caggio, which is sure to be a fascinating collection of work!

Food will be provided by Café 1505. Located in Mequon, WI, Café 1505
is the premier dining destination for a delicious breakfast and lunch.
The Café utilizes fresh, local produce and has a gourmet bakery and deli for take-out.