This exciting exhibition at Galerie Mokum showcases the work of two painters whose use of flattened hues and still imagery reflects quiet, direct and uncluttered worlds. Very much part of the new movement in Dutch Realism – the paintings are subtle yet strong with an emphasis on observed figuration, selected views and poised subjects within beautifully balanced formats. The painterly quality of these works creates an interesting tension between realism and abstraction.

With an exciting mixture of subject matter – landscape, portraiture and animal portraiture – this exhibition of paintings uses consistent stylistic themes of single, main focal points and bold, painterly compositions.

These works present an extremely unusual and interesting treatment of the familiar genre of animal portraiture. Pieter Pander manages to maintain the representation and characterisation of particular pets whilst at the same time producing strong compositional works with considered and effective surface texture.

The pets are delightful, but Pander has avoided over sentimentality; the subject creates a strong sense of being which translates as a strong compositional element. The subdued palette and careful use of brushwork creates powerful imagery in which detailed figuration exists easily within the abstracted compositional frameworks.

These exquiste panoramic landscapes capture the tranquility of coastal enclaves. The paintings are calm and descriptive of place and setting but are careful to avoid romanticism. The viewer is drawn towards the picture plane, the eye drifts across the image, taking in details, colours and shapes; the absence of a more traditional ‘subject or focal point’ encourages the viewer to consider the nature of solitude and stillness.

Reminiscent of holiday memories, these images have a timeless quality. Small wooden boats are abandoned and groups of buildings have no obvious signs of habitation; but these elements create the quiet, enduring landscapes. The beaches and lanes may be deserted, but past activity is evident provides a marker to the passing of an era.

It is perhaps true of the works of both artists that they capture particular moments and moods - allowing the viewer the privilege of effectively ‘stopping time’ to gaze at the extraordinary within the ordinary. Peter Durieux and Pieter Pander are represented by the Mokum Gallery in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.