Martin Heidegger posed the question “Die Frage nach dem Ding” (“The Question Concerning the Thing”). This is a philosophical inquiry that had already been raised by classical philosophers and has repeatedly resurfaced across successive generations of metaphysicians.

However, the desire to get closer to ‘things’ is not reserved for philosophers alone. It concerns all of us—and for many artists, it is an implicit part of their creative practice.

Alongside this metaphysical issue, things simultaneously reveal themselves in their ecstatic appearance—in their ‘atmosphere’. ‘Thing-character and atmosphere’ form the background against which Ludwig Vandevelde practices his drawing.

Since 2020, Ludwig Vandevelde has focused exclusively on still life as a means of approaching the world of objects through drawing. By definition, this is a visual approach, which he explores through a single motif—be it fruits, candles, flowers, or stones and rocks.

Often, we barely pay attention to these things, let alone take them as the focal point of an aesthetic approach. Perceiving them reveals their status as objects and the structure of their materiality. Meditating on them reveals their atmospheric aura, to which we can connect.

Through drawing, Ludwig Vandevelde sublimates the enigmatic character of reality. The drawing functions as a mediator that connects the artist and the viewer to the world of things. He uses red chalk—already in use since the dawn of art. His linear or tonal drawings build upon a tradition introduced by past masters and are now pushed to its limits. The result is delicate and subtle work on paper.

The repeated drawing from observation of a single motif reveals something of Ludwig Vandevelde’s artistic personality. Perception and emotional sensitivity are at the core of his quest for a sensuous aesthetic.

This is a “silent” art—touching the real.

It resonates with viewers who can experience, through art, the sensuous and philosophical dimensions of reality.