J. van Bart

Dante First Stage of Hell

"An Image has the power to adapt its story to both viewer and time."

Jeroen van Bart

In the vast tapestry of cosmic existence, there exists a concept as enigmatic as it is perplexing—Time. A concept that dances to a different rhythm in the grand symphony of the universe, often asynchronous between the cosmos and the observer. The peculiar delay in perceiving the present moment casts humanity as denizens of the past, for by the time 'now' reaches our awareness, the universe has long since moved on. It's a cosmic tease where the universe is forever one step ahead, a manifestation of the deterministic and symmetrical nature of the cosmos.
 
 
But what is time, this elusive enigma? It is the fulcrum upon which the future transforms into the past, an inexorable march toward the crescendo of entropy. The universe, expanding since the dramatic overture of the Big Bang, appears destined for a grand finale—a "Heat death" where energy diffuses so uniformly that all becomes one. Fortunately, this cosmic curtain call is scheduled eons beyond our earthly sojourn. In the meantime, one can't help but wonder if humanity's penchant for self-destruction might script its own finale well before the universe's grand denouement.
 
 
Contemplating the cosmic ballet, one muses—could the universe's march towards entropy and the river of time be entwined? If so, might altering one's course steer the other? Could there exist a gravitational force, akin to a celestial memory, tugging at the universe's expansiveness, forcing it to return to its initial state? After all, the universe ballooned exponentially in the first fleeting moments after the Big Bang. Over time, its expansion ebbs and flows, sparking fantastical scenarios of cosmic rebirth.
 
 
Could it be that we are hurtling toward a pivotal juncture? A moment when the cosmic embrace, that unseen force that binds galaxies and stars, surpasses the relentless push of expansion? Entropy, on the brink of its inexorable decline, might waver. Could this herald an epoch where time, much like a film reel reversed, rewinds? Millennia from now, life could unfold in reverse, a mirrored reflection of the past, culminating in a grand finale—a silent, cosmic exhalation akin to an ancient television screen flickering into oblivion, a big zap.
 
 
In the cosmic theater where time and entropy waltz, the boundaries of reality blur, and the universe keeps its secrets close. Whether time will ever run in reverse, or if the universe holds the memory of its beginnings in a gravitational embrace, remains a riddle that stirs the imagination of curious souls. As we ponder these cosmic mysteries, we are reminded that our existence, however brief in the grand cosmic tale, is an opportunity to explore the wonders of the universe and to dance with the enigmatic partner that is time.

Speculating the Existence of a Universal Memory

Amidst the intricate tapestry of existence lies a choice, a decision to step into the enigmatic playground of determinism. The universe, an orchestration of fields resonating with diverse energies, is perceivable within a specific spectrum by our intricately designed minds. Yet, the question looms—does determinism's embrace stretch to encompass the human consciousness?
 
 
Determinism, the notion that causality threads the fabric of forthcoming events, implies that randomness finds no haven. Every star, every particle, seemingly choreographed by the hands of inevitability. And yet, within the intricate dance of atoms, can the human consciousness carve its own path? Does our sentience, our self-awareness, afford us a realm of possibility beyond the dictates of cosmic script?
 
 
Harmony arises from determinism's hold, for bottles of water persist and solid ground greets our footfall. But the canvas of creation, the artist's brush poised in hand, presents a different narrative. Within the realms of creativity, uncertainty prevails. Is the final stroke preordained, or does the muse of choice grant us a palette of randomness?
 
 
In this equation, the essence of free will takes center stage. A force that bequeaths responsibility for actions and births the dichotomy of good and bad. But who adjudicates this duality? Do we rely on a shared consciousness or invoke the presence of a divine observer? United by the frequencies our minds synchronize upon, we are players in a shared theatre of spacetime. Yet, uncertainty dances in the air—is spacetime a reality or a masterful simulation? Are our voices, our lives, mere echoes within this grand game?
 
 
Life unfolds as perception, a collage painted by our senses. Do we truly witness the world or are we beholden to interpretations woven by our brain's threads? Curiously, shared experiences bind us together. How, in a realm of individual minds, do we encounter the same wonders? Is it the symphony of resonating frequencies that bridges our minds?
 
 
Beyond the spectrum of senses, a universe beckons—an uncharted dominion where imagination and introspection intertwine. Here lies the cradle of humanity's uniqueness, where the frontier between human and animal blurs. But, what of the boundaries that confine us? Could there be new realms of thought, new planes of existence awaiting our exploration? Do our subconscious minds already whisper to these frequencies, weaving dreams into our reality?
 
 
Imagination, the compass for uncharted territories, and self-awareness, the lantern that guides the way, illuminate our journey. As we step into the playground of determinism, we don't simply conform to the cosmic choreography. Instead, we embrace the mystery, unraveling threads of causality, entwining them with the threads of choice, and in doing so, painting the grand masterpiece of life.

The Decision to Enter the Playground of Determinism

In a world where senses guide our perception, we often find ourselves contemplating the nature of existence. Our five senses, touch, hearing, tasting, seeing, and smelling, connect us to the world around us, each tied to a specific organ. Skin, ears, mouth, eyes, and nose—gateways to a sensory journey.
 
 
Consider the sense of sight, for instance. Through our eyes, we capture the dance of photons, and our brain, a translator of the visual symphony, weaves together the tapestry of space within our minds. Yet, time eludes our sight. It is an intangible concept, only hinted at through the rhythm of day and night. We witness fleeting moments of uncertainty and chaos, which somehow find order in our consciousness, perpetually moving forward in alignment with the arrow of time we hold within.
 
 
While belief in a concept is a form of sensory perception for the mind, there is a different realm of sensations that captivates us. A domain that resides closer to the heart—literally and metaphorically. When introspecting, it is the area near the heart that draws our attention, invoking emotions and feelings. Throughout history, hearts have been attributed with profound significance, evident in phrases like "heavy hearts" and "I heart you." It is a sense shared by many. In my younger years, I held the belief that this sense connected me to another person—an unknown presence on the other side of this emotional spectrum. This connection transcended physical boundaries, allowing a mysterious interaction with an individual whose identity remained a tantalizing mystery, forever entwined in the fabric of my imagination. As time went on, this sense evolved, becoming entangled with the tapestry of my own life and the lives of those around me. It revealed the possibility of an intuitive communication—a beautiful thread weaving through the hearts of those within my radar, and perhaps even extending to those beyond.
 
 
Contemplating the nature of our existence, I find solace in the notion that everything is composed of energy and mass, endlessly interchanging on a minuscule scale. As humans, we embody mass and act as complex machines, continuously interacting with the energy that surrounds us. Our bodies possess a remarkable ability to perceive particles, yet the universe, with its enigmatic ways, veils its secrets from us. Why do particles behave differently when observed, compared to when they remain unseen? Does the universe intentionally withhold complete understanding, or is it a cosmic coincidence that we even exist at all?
 
 
Amidst these ponderings, a profound thought emerges—the beauty of energy's eternal journey. Energy, never ceasing, perpetually transitioning into something new, transcending the eventual deterioration of our physical forms. Could this mean that the bonds we forge with our loved ones extend into the infinite eternity, assuming such a concept exists, for it implies the existence of time itself?
 
 
As we navigate this grand tapestry of sensations and contemplations, we embark on an endless quest to unravel the mysteries that surround us. And even though the answers may elude us, the mere act of seeking provides a tapestry of its own—a testament to our insatiable curiosity and the boundless potential of the human spirit.

The Superposition of Existential Entanglement

In a world filled with mysteries and unanswered questions, there existed a theory that sought to encompass more than just the realms of mathematics and physics. This theory, known as the Theory of Everything, proposed that there was a grander connection between various aspects of our existence, including psychology.
 
 
Have you ever had a strange feeling that something was wrong, but you couldn't figure out why? Sometimes, that feeling remains a mystery, but other times we later discover that it was our intuition picking up on a problem with a family member or a close friend. It's as if our unconscious mind can sense things that our rational thoughts can't explain.
 
 
So, what's really going on here? Is it just a coincidence when our feelings match up with events, or is there more to it? Some people think our unconscious mind is incredibly quick at making predictions, even faster than we consciously realise. Others wonder if there might be some kind of mysterious connection, like the way particles can be connected in quantum physics.
 
 
Imagine if there were a hidden force, like gravity, that connects all of us as human beings. It's an intriguing idea, suggesting that we're all intertwined in ways we can't see. There are clues to this connection in our shared thoughts and experiences, which seem to exist in the same moment of time.
 
 
As we journey through life, it feels like we're all moving together in the same direction through time, at the same speed. There are some complexities to this, like the way time can stretch and change, but those ideas are still more like science fiction for now.
 
 
All of this leads us to question what time really is. Does the future only exist as something we predict, while the past is just memories? On a tiny scale, like the world of quantum physics, time and space behave differently. Could it be that the past, present, and future are all happening at once, somehow connected and synchronised? And maybe the expansion of the universe, starting from the Big Bang, has a pull on our collective thoughts, drawing us closer to some kind of ultimate destiny?
 
 
These are big questions, and we don't have all the answers yet. But thinking about the connections between everything in our world, the mysteries of time, and the power of human intuition, fills us with wonder. It reminds us that there is so much more to discover about our reality, and it encourages us to keep seeking knowledge. In the vast tapestry of the universe, there is a story waiting to be told—one of curiosity, connection, and the unending quest for understanding.

The Gravitational Force of the End in Eternalism

In the realm of boundless imagination, where existential questions find solace and reason takes flight, I find myself lost in a landscape of endless possibilities. Like most, my days begin with the rising sun and come to a close as the sun sets on the horizon. Material desires ebb and flow with the tides of consciousness, growing heavier in the wakeful hours and dissipating as slumber claims me. And in the realm of dreams, my mind weaves a tapestry of wonder, processing the events of the day in the most fantastical ways.
 
 
I am a dreamer, perhaps more so than most, prone to getting lost in the labyrinth of my thoughts as I chase the elusive meaning of life. During the day, I overindulge in these reveries, immersing myself in the depths of introspection. As I delve into the mysteries of existence, I feel the weight of materialism corroding, much like a car succumbing to the passage of time in a painting. My physical form, too, undergoes the same gradual deterioration as the days merge seamlessly from sunrise to sunset.
 
 
Yet, amid the dance of light and shadows, I sense a transformation within. The cacophony of overthinking is juxtaposed against the burgeoning voice of my soul, its resonance growing louder with each passing moment. In the vast expanse of imagination, I find a sanctuary where I can seek the essence of life's purpose and meaning.
 
 
As the sun paints the skies with its radiant hues, I strive to decode the secrets that lay concealed within the canvas of existence. With every sunset, a day's worth of pondering breathes new life into my being, rejuvenating my spirit. The cycle of dawn to dusk becomes an enchanting journey, where dreams blend seamlessly with reality.
 
 
And so, I continue to roam through the limitless landscapes of imagination, exploring the uncharted territories of thought. In this eternal quest for understanding, I embrace the perpetual metamorphosis, knowing that every sunset heralds a new dawn, and every dream nurtures the growth of the soul's resounding voice.

The Overthinker

My interpretation of the Eerste Helmersstraat in Amsterdam on a sunny afternoon. 

Eerste Helmersstraat Amsterdam

Nothing is as familiar as your own hand, completely in your control and you know how it works like nobody else on this planet. Some people create with their hands while others use them to go about their daily life. But really studying a hand makes you notice things you never saw before, there is such a rich palette of colour in the skin, there have always been skinfolds you weren't aware of and there is the influence of the ambiance that resonates on it’s reflection. Creating this piece, i got to know my hand so much better. The right amount of attention will do that and on the verge of patience and dedication the smallest nuances become clear. Hope this hand will lead the way from student to master one day.

This painting also found it’s way to a new home already.

The Hand of the Student

Copy Egon Schiele

Softpastel drawing made at the edge of the Vondelpark in Amsterdam. 

The Edge of Vondelpark

Pure technical way of looking at the female body of this model standing.

Technical Female Model Pose

“The Thinker” is a study that reflects on the search for a good composition, inspired by Rodin’s famous Thinker. The roots of the tree draw the eye into the painting and the atmospheric perspective creates depth together with the small reflection on the water. The thinker (or rather the overthinker) is pondering for so long that their body completely deteriorates in search of answers. Before this painting was finished it had already found an interested party, which resulted in the painting staying two-toned and finding a new home. 28X30CM

The Thinker

Finding someone you are comfortable enough with to share your most intimate desires, thoughts and fears is the ultimate dream that many of us pursue. Strangely enough, only a few succeed in their lifelong endeavour. However, dreams are fragile; the smallest event can pop them, like a soap bubble floating out in the open. Dream on your own but be cautious. For dreams grow stronger as strength is in the numbers: together we can dream bigger and accomplish so much more. 40X60CM

Nurturing Dreams

The battle between heart and mind. The heart wants to go everywhere and the mind can either slow it down or push it along. Being truly in sync is the ultimate goal. The background is Bali, as seen from Nusa Lembongan. The background style is inspired by one of my favorite painters, whom I had the pleasure to meet during one of my trips to Bali. 30X40CM

Who's driving

Have you ever been so deep in your own thoughts that you briefly forgot where you were? Were you drifting away somewhere in space? How about actually exploring the universe? Will there be a time that someone will be shot into space so deep that he will never make it back? And what will he encounter in the great unknown? For a moment there, I got lost in my own thoughts. Just a spin of the brain. 24X30CM

Jeroen van Bart

Selection of works

Adventure of Exploring

Belvedere Torso

Speculating the Existence of a Universal Memory

The Decision to Enter the Playground of Determinism

The Superposition of Existential Entanglement

The Gravitational Force of the End in Eternalism

The Overthinker

Eerste Helmersstraat Amsterdam

The Hand of the Student

Copy Egon Schiele

The Edge of Vondelpark

Technical Female Model Pose

The Thinker

Nurturing Dreams

Who's driving

Adventure of Exploring

Belvedere Torso

Speculating the Existence of a Universal Memory

The Decision to Enter the Playground of Determinism

Nurturing Dreams

Who's driving

Adventure of Exploring

Belvedere Torso

Speculating the Existence of a Universal Memory

The Decision to Enter the Playground of Determinism

The Superposition of Existential Entanglement

The Gravitational Force of the End in Eternalism

The Overthinker

Eerste Helmersstraat Amsterdam

The Hand of the Student

Copy Egon Schiele

The Edge of Vondelpark

Technical Female Model Pose

The Thinker

Nurturing Dreams

Who's driving

Adventure of Exploring

Belvedere Torso

Speculating the Existence of a Universal Memory

The Decision to Enter the Playground of Determinism

The Superposition of Existential Entanglement

The Gravitational Force of the End in Eternalism

Current project

Dante First Stage of Hell

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J. van Bart

Discovering Meaning through Visual Art

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