The colorful paintings of Jan Pieter Fokkens transport us to distant worlds beyond our comprehension. Within seemingly infinite networks of lines, dots, and crosses, he decodes the recognizable to create something unfamiliar.
Each two-dimensional work begins with a photo captured by a deep-space telescope. Despite their photographic realism, “these beautiful images of outer space are not real,” says Fokkens. “They are contrived to show us some utopian sci-fi landscape — as though one could stare at them from a field of grass on a nearby planet. What is real is the sense of wonder they emit.” Colorized to convey depth and scale, such images have already been altered to make impossible sights more easily consumable.
With the aid of custom algorithms, Fokkens further manipulates the “fake pixels” of these images, extracting qualities such as pattern, form, and color. He then hand-paints these abstracted qualities as isolated points on canvas. Despite his methodical process, his paintings honor a romantic sense of beauty and capture the sense of longing and wonder one feels when they look out at the stars.
Inspired by early non-representational art, Fokkens treats his abstractions as a means of manipulating reality. Up-close, they might remind us of modernist paintings by the likes of Seurat or Mondrian. There is movement in the still image – moments within the composition that shift in and out of sight, that obscure and reveal the longer you look. Endlessly generating new experiences of perspective, Fokkens’s paintings challenge our perceptions and allow us to peer into other worlds.
Find original Jan Pieter Fokkens paintings on 1stDibs.
"E0102-72.3, " Pigment Ink on Photo Paper
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
The colorful paintings of Jan Pieter Fokkens transport us to distant worlds beyond our comprehension. Within his seemingly infinite networks of lines, dots, and crosses, he decodes the recognizable to create something unfamiliar. Each work begins with a colorized photo captured by a deep-space...
Ink, Photographic Paper
"Study for Messier 17" by Jan Pieter Fokkens
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
Entitled "Study for Messier 17," this painting by Chicago-artist Jan Pieter Fokkens offers a representation of the spectacular star-forming region Messier 17, also known as the Omega...
Paper
$6,380 / set
“Weird Adventure” by Jan Pieter Fokkens
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
Chicago-based artist Jan Pieter Fokkens uses his work as a means of processing the incomprehensible. Navigating the relationship between algorithmic abstraction and the tangible qualities of pattern and color, Fokkens meditates on how we as viewers negotiate our realities. Entitled "Weird Adventure," this diptych depicts a still from the Italian Classic film...
Canvas
"Study for Tarantula Nebula, " Acrylic on Canvas
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
Entitled "Study for Tarantula Nebula," this painting by Chicago-based artist Jan Pieter Fokkens offers a representation of the gigantic star-forming region of the same name. Located in the Large Magellanic Cloud, nearly 160,000 light years from earth, it's the birthplace of an astonishing number of massive stars, some roughly 100 times the mass of the Sun. Inspired by telescope images of deep space, contemporary computer compression algorithms and early non-representational art...
Canvas, Acrylic
"NGC-3201, " Pigment Ink on Paper
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
Chicago-based artist Jan Pieter Fokkens uses his work as a means of processing the incomprehensible. Navigating the relationship between algorithmic abstraction and the tangible qualities of pattern and color, Fokkens meditates on how reality is mediated by digital image. Entitled "NGC-3201," this vibrant drawing offers a representation of the globular cluster NGC-3201. Using an image taken by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope...
Archival Ink, Photographic Paper
"Study for SWEEPS, " Pigment Ink on Canvas, 2018
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
The colorful paintings of Jan Pieter Fokkens transport us to distant worlds beyond our comprehension. Within seemingly infinite networks of lines, dots, and crosses, he decodes the r...
Canvas, Ink
"Study for SWEEPS, " Pigment Ink on Photo Paper
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
The colorful paintings of Jan Pieter Fokkens transport us to distant worlds beyond our comprehension. Within seemingly infinite networks of lines, dots, and crosses, he decodes the recognizable to create something unfamiliar. Each work begins with a colorized photo captured by a deep-space telescope...
Ink, Photographic Paper
"Study for Messier 17, " Acrylic on Paper
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
Entitled "Study for Messier 17," this painting by Chicago-artist Jan Pieter Fokkens offers a representation of the spectacular star-forming region Messier 17, also known as the Omega Nebula or Swan Nebula. A vast region of gas, dust and hot young stars, Messier 17 lies in the heart of the Milky Way, tucked within the constellation of Sagittarius (the Archer). Inspired by telescope images of deep space, contemporary computer compression algorithms and early non-representational art...
Paper, Acrylic
"Study for SWEEPS" by Jan Pieter Fokkens
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
The colorful paintings of Jan Pieter Fokkens transport us to distant worlds beyond our comprehension. Within seemingly infinite networks of lines, dots, and crosses, he decodes the r...
Canvas
"Study for Caldwell 49" by Jan Pieter Fokkens
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
The colorful paintings of Jan Pieter Fokkens transport us to distant worlds beyond our comprehension. Within seemingly infinite networks of lines, dots, and crosses, he decodes the r...
Paint, Canvas
"Study for Tarantula Nebula" by Jan Pieter Fokkens
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
Entitled "Study for Tarantula Nebula," this painting by Chicago-based artist Jan Pieter Fokkens offers a representation of the gigantic star-forming region of the same name. Located ...
Canvas
"Study for SWEEPS" by Jan Pieter Fokkens
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
Inspired by images of deep space, computer compression algorithms, and early non-representational art, Chicago-based artist Jan Pieter Fokkens uses the tangible qualities of pattern and color to interpret unimaginable sights. Entitled "Study for SWEEPS," this work offers a representation of the Sagittarius Window Eclipsing Extrasolar Planet Search, Hubble’s seven-day-long survey of 180,000 stars in order to detect extrasolar planets. Using data from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope...
Paper
"Study for Event Horizon" by Jan Pieter Fokkens
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
Inspired by images of deep space, computer compression algorithms, and early non-representational art, Chicago-based artist Jan Pieter Fokkens uses the tangible qualities of pattern ...
Paper
"E0102-72.3" by Jan Pieter Fokkens
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
The colorful paintings of Jan Pieter Fokkens transport us to distant worlds beyond our comprehension. Within his seemingly infinite networks of lines, dots, and crosses, he decodes t...
Paper
"NGC-6397" by Jan Pieter Fokkens
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
Chicago-based artist Jan Pieter Fokkens uses his work as a means of processing the incomprehensible. Navigating the relationship between algorithmic abstraction and the tangible qual...
Paper
"NGC-3201" by Jan Pieter Fokkens
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
Chicago-based artist Jan Pieter Fokkens uses his work as a means of processing the incomprehensible. Navigating the relationship between algorithmic abstraction and the tangible qualities of pattern and color, Fokkens meditates on how reality is mediated by digital image. Entitled "NGC-3201," this vibrant drawing offers a representation of the globular cluster NGC-3201. Using an image taken by the NASA/ESA Hubble...
Paper
"Study for Caldwell 49, " Acrylic on Canvas, 2021
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
The colorful paintings of Jan Pieter Fokkens transport us to distant worlds beyond our comprehension. Within his seemingly infinite networks of lines, dots, and crosses, he decodes t...
Canvas, Acrylic
"The Adventure II, " Archival Marker on Canvas, 2019
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
Chicago-based artist Jan Pieter Fokkens uses his work as a means of processing the incomprehensible. Navigating the relationship between algorithmic abstraction and the tangible qualities of pattern and color, Fokkens meditates on how we as viewers negotiate our realities. Entitled "The Adventure II," this vibrant drawing depicts a still from the Italian classic film...
Canvas, Archival Ink
"NGC-6397, " Pigment Ink on Paper
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
Chicago-based artist Jan Pieter Fokkens uses his work as a means of processing the incomprehensible. Navigating the relationship between algorithmic abstraction and the tangible qualities of pattern and color, Fokkens meditates on how reality is mediated by digital image. Entitled "NGC-6397," this vibrant drawing offers a representation of the globular cluster NGC-6397, also known as Caldwell 87, located 7,800 light-years from Earth. Using an image taken by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope...
Archival Ink, Photographic Paper
"The Adventure, " Archival Ink on Canvas, 2019
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
Chicago-based artist Jan Pieter Fokkens uses his work as a means of processing the incomprehensible. Navigating the relationship between algorithmic abstraction and the tangible qualities of pattern and color, Fokkens meditates on how we as viewers negotiate our realities. Entitled "The Adventure," this vibrant drawing depicts a still from the Italian classic film...
Archival Ink, Canvas
"Study for Event Horizon, " Archival Ink on Paper, 2020
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
The colorful paintings of Jan Pieter Fokkens transport us to distant worlds beyond our comprehension. Within seemingly infinite networks of lines, dots, and crosses, he decodes the r...
Archival Ink, Photographic Paper
"Spirit of Oshkosh, " Art Deco Mural Study by Eugene Savage, 1937
By Eugene Francis Savage
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This very rare and important study for "The Spirit of Oshkosh," a major mural in Wisconsin, was painted by Eugene Savage in 1937. Savage is best know...
Paint
Paper Collage by Knute Stiles, 1961
By Knute Stiles
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Knute Stiles-painter, art critic and poet was born in Minnesota in 1923 and died in Tuscon, Arizona in 2009. He attended the St. Paul Art School and later...
Paper
Painting by Julian Burgos
By Julian Burgos
Located in San Francisco, CA
An oil and pastel painting on canvas in a custom walnut frame. "Everything that is solid dissipates in the air" The painting is a sneak preview of an exclusive upcoming exhibit at A...
Walnut, Paint
Line Drawing by Jean Negulesco
By Jean Negulesco
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful continuous black line drawing of a woman by Jean Negulesco. Vintage color serigraph print with blind stamp in corner. New custom maple frame with UV plexi.
Maple, Paper
Striped Landscape #3
Located in San Francisco, CA
Alejandro Rubio Striped Landscape #3, 2024 Acrylic on panel 36 x 36 inches This is a one-of-a-kind acrylic painting on panel.
Acrylic, Panel
$703
H 65 in W 50 in D 0.2 in
Colorful painting on paper, Unique piece, Abstract Expressionist
Located in Carballo, ES
TUSET (1997, A Coruña, España) Mixed media painting on paper Ready to frame One-of-a-kind Signed on back Includes certificate of authenticity 2021 65 x 50 cm. It belongs to the ser...
Paper, Oil Crayon, Ink, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Pencil
$400
H 33.08 in W 23.23 in D 0.4 in
Captivated - Art Deco, Modern, Abstract, Colorful, Minimalism, Invest, Bold, Joy
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Captivated Art Deco, Modern, Abstract, Colorful, Minimalism, Invest, Bold, Joy This series connects to that around as well as that within. Captivated takes the viewer to a ...
Oil, Acrylic, Gesso, Canvas
$321Sale Price|29% Off
H 40 in W 28 in
Turquoise Leaf Cutout on Abstract Cloudy Background, Organic Modern Painting
By Kind of Cyan
Located in Barcelona, ES
This is a unique mixed media piece: it is a hand-painted botanical abstract colorful shape upon a background that is a cyanotype print of a cloudy texture, giving it a modern, abstract geometric feel that will look great in contemporary and classic homes and businesses. Details: + Title: Turquoise Leaf...
Emulsion, Sumi Ink, Acrylic, Archival Paper, C Print, Color, Engraving, ...
Dusk Resin Art Wall by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
It is a geometric, simple and contemporary piece with a lot of personality that will complement any space. You can hang the piece on a wall or place it on a table and lean it agains...
Resin
Sand Resin Art Wall by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
It is a geometric, simple and contemporary piece with a lot of personality that will complement any space. You can hang the piece on a wall or place it on a table and lean it against the wall. Material: Base:beige traslucid resin in satin finish. Spheres: traslucid beige resin with marbleized...
Resin
Confetti Resin Wall Art by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
It is a geometric, simple and contemporary piece with a lot of personality. It will add a playful and colorful touch to your kids room. You can hang the piece on a wall or place it ...
Resin
"VORTEX" Marquetry Artwork by Emma Wood
By Emma Wood
Located in Nr Abergavenny, Monmouthshire
This recent artwork from the w o o d p o p studio is an example of the type of modern marquetry that w o o d p o p is becoming synonymous with. Since its inception 10 years ago - the studio has specialised in marquetry and inlay work; meticulous art-forms where pieces of wood veneer are inlaid to create decorative designs or pictures. Emma Wood, who founded the studio 10...
Wood
"Carina Nebula" by Jan Pieter Fokkens
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
The colorful paintings of Jan Pieter Fokkens transport us to distant worlds beyond our comprehension. Within seemingly infinite networks of lines, dots, and crosses, he decodes the r...
Fabric
CARINA NEBULA
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
The colorful paintings of Jan Pieter Fokkens transport us to distant worlds beyond our comprehension. Within seemingly infinite networks of lines, dots, and crosses, he decodes the r...
Canvas, Ink
"Study for NGC-6188" by Jan Pieter Fokkens
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
The colorful paintings of Jan Pieter Fokkens transport us to distant worlds beyond our comprehension. Within seemingly infinite networks of lines, dots, and crosses, he decodes the r...
Paint, Paper
"R136" by Jan Pieter Fokkens
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
The colorful paintings of Jan Pieter Fokkens transport us to distant worlds beyond our comprehension. Within seemingly infinite networks of lines, dots, and crosses, he decodes the r...
Paint, Paper
Study for VFTS-682
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
The colorful paintings of Jan Pieter Fokkens transport us to distant worlds beyond our comprehension. Within seemingly infinite networks of lines, dots, and crosses, he decodes the r...
Paper, Acrylic
"VFTS-682" by Jan Pieter Fokkens
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
The colorful paintings of Jan Pieter Fokkens transport us to distant worlds beyond our comprehension. Within seemingly infinite networks of lines, dots, and crosses, he decodes the r...
Paint, Canvas
Study for NGC-6188
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
The colorful paintings of Jan Pieter Fokkens transport us to distant worlds beyond our comprehension. Within seemingly infinite networks of lines, dots, and crosses, he decodes the r...
Acrylic, Paper
R136
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
The colorful paintings of Jan Pieter Fokkens transport us to distant worlds beyond our comprehension. Within seemingly infinite networks of lines, dots, and crosses, he decodes the r...
Acrylic, Paper
"Study for VFTS-682" by Jan Pieter Fokkens
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
The colorful paintings of Jan Pieter Fokkens transport us to distant worlds beyond our comprehension. Within his seemingly infinite networks of lines, dots, and crosses, he decodes t...
Paint, Paper
"Study for NGC-6188" by Jan Pieter Fokkens
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
The colorful paintings of Jan Pieter Fokkens transport us to distant worlds beyond our comprehension. Within seemingly infinite networks of lines, dots, and crosses, he decodes the r...
Paint, Paper
Palomar 6
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
The colorful paintings of Jan Pieter Fokkens transport us to distant worlds beyond our comprehension. Within seemingly infinite networks of lines, dots, and crosses, he decodes the r...
Canvas, Acrylic
VFTS-682
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
The colorful paintings of Jan Pieter Fokkens transport us to distant worlds beyond our comprehension. Within seemingly infinite networks of lines, dots, and crosses, he decodes the r...
Canvas, Acrylic