Jan Theuninck’s oeuvre explores the concept of metamorphosis through social, psychological, and political transformation, expressed in both his abstract paintings and engaged poetry.
Artistic and Poetic Approach
Jan Theuninck, a Belgian painter and poet, creates work that often blends abstract visual art with literary expression, a process he sometimes describes as ekphrasis—making a visual image with words and vice versa
. His paintings are abstract and often fall between minimalism and monochrome expressionism, drawing influences from artists like Ellsworth Kelly and Joan Miró
. Through bold colors and sharp shapes, Theuninck conveys transformation both visually and conceptually.
His poetry, usually in French and occasionally in English, is “poésie engagée,” committed literature that reflects social conscience, human suffering, and political critique
Themes of metamorphosis emerge as he tracks the evolution of societies, governments, and individual consciousness, depicting the profound shifts caused by political oppression, colonialism, and the erosion of civil rights
Themes of Metamorphosis
The concept of metamorphosis in Theuninck’s work is multifaceted:
Societal transformation: He examines shifts in political systems, linking modern policy changes to historical totalitarian practices, showing the metamorphosis of social structures under ideological pressures
Psychological evolution: Many works explore the human psyche under societal constraints, revealing how external pressures induce changes in thought, conformity, and perception
Cultural and historical change: His art and poetry address themes such as the Holocaust, colonialism, and pacifism, illustrating how history transforms collective memory and individual identity
Notable Works Reflecting Transformation
A specific work titled “Metamorphosis” and several pieces suggesting transformation:
“Homo multiculturalis T.” explores philosophical and cultural hybridization
“Wargasm” examines the psychological transformation experienced by warriors
Various politically themed series from 2001 onwards (e.g., Beyond the Limit, Rinascimento, Political Pandemic) depict the evolving dynamics of societies and power structures
Through these works, Theuninck captures both the outward and inner metamorphosis of human experience, using abstraction and literary interplay to convey complex states of change.
Conclusion
In Jan Theuninck’s work, metamorphosis is not merely a biological or metaphorical concept, but a lens through which he interrogates societal, cultural, and psychological transformations. His abstract visual style and engaged poetry integrate to reflect the evolution of human consciousness, moral dilemmas, and sociopolitical realities, making transformation a central thread in his creative output.
