Marcel Ruben Finearts

Painter

Classic still life

At work

Portret

Modern work

Between Tradition and Modernity: A Journey in Realism
Still life painting has long served as a meditation on material beauty, the passage of time, and the transient nature of existence. My work explores the intersection of classical and contemporary realism, bridging centuries of artistic tradition with modern themes and sensibilities.
Rooted in the techniques of the Old Masters, my classical still lifes pay homage to the meticulous craftsmanship of 16th- and 17th-century Dutch and Flemish painters. Rich contrasts, carefully controlled lighting, and a deep appreciation for texture and composition define these works. The play of light across polished metal, the delicate fragility of flowers, and the symbolic presence of fruit and everyday objects create a timeless atmosphere—one that speaks to both history and human experience. These paintings are not mere representations; they are dialogues with the past, capturing the essence of an era where objects held profound symbolic meaning.
In contrast, my modern realist paintings reinterpret the still life genre for the 21st century. The themes of vanitas—once symbolized by decaying fruit, withering flowers, or extinguished candles—find new expression in industrially produced desserts, plastic-wrapped fruit, and objects altered by time and human influence. These works explore the dialogue between natural and artificial, permanence and impermanence, beauty and decay. While classical still lifes captured the fleeting nature of life with organic forms, my contemporary pieces reflect a world shaped by preservation, consumerism, and technological intervention.