Herman Mentens ^{(Balen, België 1960)}

Lives and works in Balen.

Studied painting at the municipal art academy of Geel, under the supervision of Marc Cruysberghs and Virginie Bailly. After a course in "Writing about art" on location at the Wiels under the supervision of Christina Vanderhaeghe. he regularly reflects and writes about his creations. He immerses himself in art history for the practice of painting, regularly attends lectures and likes to be present at artist talks.. Frequently visits art galleries, museums and studios of befriended colleagues.

Works on canvas, mainly with oil paint, collage technique and charcoal. Makes contemporary abstract work. Herman Mentens paints constellations ,transforms memories of presence and absence into an idiosyncratic visual language.

"Herman Mentens can not be linked to 'the school of Jef Geys', but he was born in Balen where he has his studio and also spends his days. Herman consistently creates his abstract world of form and colour. He lets us look and asks us to keep looking. Herman takes time. Is it an invitation to what is today, Jef-Kempenaar-Verheyen-wise, called slow art? Herman suggests, turns around, maybe enlightens, even frames. Herman should have been called Jef."

Koen Cools - historian and guide at the KMSKA