Three of a Kind is an exhibition featuring a selection of paintings, drawings, collages, animated films and three-dimensional works. While each artist is showcased individually, curator Rob Schoonen also delves into the renowned 'van Iersel artistic gene'. What makes this Eindhoven family so special? What similarities or commonalities exist? Where do the artists' works intersect?

Gerard van Iersel (1934) studied at the Eindhoven School of Applied Arts and the Jan van Eyck Academy. Under the influence of the visual artist Albert Troost, he focused on monumental works, including stained glass, wall reliefs, sculptures and concrete paintings. He created many commissions for schools and government buildings. He also taught at the St. Joost Academy, among other institutions. Despite his busy schedule, he found time for truly free work: lyrical drawings and paintings in which emotions are given free rein. Van Iersel evolved from geometric abstraction to lyrical abstract work, reminiscent of the style of Bram van Velde.

Rik van Iersel (1961) developed a love of drawing and painting from an early age, thanks to his parents, Gerard and Nathalie van den Eerenbeemt (1934–2010), who were both artists. He did not feel the need to attend art school, so he is self-taught. Rik developed his skills as both a visual artist and a musician. He started out playing the drums in various bands, including Der Junge Hund, and went on to found the band Senga Etna. There, he collaborated with many young musicians. The next logical step was the formation of Buro Beukorkest.

In his younger years, he immersed himself in creating comics and designed posters for the Eindhoven pop venue Effenaar for many years. His own highly expressive, layered style is reminiscent of the work of the Neue Wilden and Mühlheimer Freiheit, two German art movements. From a young age, Van Iersel exhibited his work in renowned galleries in the Netherlands and abroad. He later began making animated films and worked as a guest lecturer in Germany, among other places. He exhibited at TAC and also served as a curator there.

Joshua van Iersel (1986) was also raised on art from an early age. With a father and grandparents who were all artists, how could it be otherwise? Joshua also developed as a self-taught artist. He vividly remembers the African masks his parents collected, which made a deep impression on him. You can still see them recurring in various forms in his drawings and paintings today. Faces are a recurring motif in his work, which, partly due to its affinities with comics and graffiti, can be classified as neo-expressionist. This brings to mind artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat and David Salle. Like Rik, Joshua is also a musician. He plays the drums, too.

Collaboration with Pennings Foundation.
Open Saturdays 12 to 5 PM.