Carmel Van Der Hoeven

Idyllic horizon lines set far away behind lush landscapes, glistening water, manicured gardens and paths, pencil cyrprus trees and heliotropes, form just some of the details in Carmel Van Der Hoeven’s exhibition, A Dream With A View.

Several of the locations seem to have a clear destination, while others are a swirling
compilation of botanical abundance, with no obvious start or finish.

Exuberant paint strokes and colours emphasise individual abstract moments, coalescing into a coherent vision. The loose marks are almost swimming or wiggling on the canvas, creating a feeling of movement, and surprise, as the viewer is drawn into the painting.

Twilight zones are curious and intriguing, but not eerie, illuminated as if seen through night
vision goggles. Reeds, flax and cabbage trees burst up at intervals through the work, energetic and bright and grounding.

A Dream With a View combines the artist’s perspective of places seen or visited with her
imagination, creating joyful vistas. It’s impossible to say where they are, but they’re
recognisable, reminiscent of tumbling dreams.

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Self taught, multidisciplinary artist Carmel Van Der Hoeven is based in Pirongia, Waikato, with her husband and children.
Having dabbled in ceramics, Carmel made the full time leap to painting several years ago and
has been exhibiting in Auckland since. Previous exhibitions frequently include florals and a
nostalgic state house series.

What will Carmel paint next?