Dirk Bal paints still lifes and figures, and casts bronze sculptures in which stillness, light and balance take the lead — classical craftsmanship in a contemporary, understated language.
Dirk Bal (b. 1964, Rotterdam) found his way to realism after a long search across a wide range of styles and disciplines. That choice anchored stillness, quiet and balance in his work — with the still life and the human figure as recurring themes, often brought together in a single, harmonious composition.
Alongside his paintings he creates bronze sculptures: slender, ballet-like female figures that seem to freeze a moment of graceful movement in time. Dirk has worked full-time as an artist since 2008, from his studio in South Limburg since 2014.
Read more about DirkFrom the beauty of a simple onion to the complex tension in a bronze ballerina — with stillness and balance as a recurring theme.
"My way of thinking is woven into what I do. In making realist art, I ultimately found myself."
Dirk Bal on the connection between Asperger's syndrome and his work as an artist.
Read the storyA new series of still lifes centred on walnuts, now available to view and order in the online shop.
Dirk regularly runs painting workshops and retreats from his studio in South Limburg.
A selection of work can be seen at Galerie Maaslands, Restaurant Haricot and Restaurant WY in Maastricht.