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 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
"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
"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 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 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
$500
H 50 in W 38 in D 0.1 in
Untitled 3. From La materialidad del tiempo (The Materiality of Time) Series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
La Materialidad del Tiempo, Juan Carlos Amador grounds his recent work in two essential elements: cellulose and time. Using reclaimed wooden moldings from the 1980s and ’90s-original...
Paper, Oil Crayon
$250
H 15 in W 11.5 in D 0.1 in
Las Mascaras XIV. From Las Mascaras (The masks) Series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This series draws inspiration from Hatillo’s Fiesta de los Santos Inocentes, translating the festival’s vibrant movement and collective energy into a refined abstract vocabulary. Thr...
Paper, Oil Crayon, Pastel
$720
H 28 in W 40 in
Evening in The Tropics, Geometric Tiles in Yellow, Miami Sunset Patterns
By Natalia Roman
Located in Barcelona, ES
These series of paintings by Natalia Roman gather their inspiration from geometric, minimalist shapes and paintings from the beginning of Modernism, with a special emphasis on Art De...
Watercolor, Acrylic, Handmade Paper
$400
H 33.08 in W 23.23 in D 0.79 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, Captivated, Beauty, Enchanted, Enthralled, Vivid, Bold This series connects to that around as...
Oil, Acrylic, Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Stretcher Bars
$720
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
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
$2,586Sale Price|25% Off
H 26 in W 26 in D 2 in
Abstract Red & Pink Flowers on a White Background by Contemporary British Artist
By Angela Wakefield
Located in Preston, GB
Painting of Abstract Red, Pink & Orange Wild Flowers on a White Background by Contemporary British Artist, Angela Wakefield. From the 'Spring Burst' Interior Design Series. Framed in a Contemporary Pewter...
Gesso, Canvas, Paint, Cotton Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Watercolor
$500
H 50 in W 38 in D 0.1 in
Untitled 1. From La materialidad del tiempo (The Materiality of Time) Series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
La Materialidad del Tiempo, Juan Carlos Amador grounds his recent work in two essential elements: cellulose and time. Using reclaimed wooden moldings from the 1980s and ’90s-original...
Paper, Oil Crayon
$1,000
H 60 in W 60 in D 0.1 in
Untitled 4. From La materialidad del tiempo (The Materiality of Time) Series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
La Materialidad del Tiempo, Juan Carlos Amador grounds his recent work in two essential elements: cellulose and time. Using reclaimed wooden moldings from the 1980s and ’90s-original...
Paper, Oil Crayon
Sold|$720
H 28 in W 40 in
Pastel Diagonal Tiled Floor, Abstract Sun Shapes, Pink, Yellow and Red Triangles
By Natalia Roman
Located in Barcelona, ES
These series of paintings by Natalia Roman gather their inspiration from geometric, minimalist shapes and paintings from the beginning of Modernism, with a special emphasis on Art De...
Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor, Paper
$500
H 50 in W 38 in D 0.1 in
Untitled 2. From La materialidad del tiempo (The Materiality of Time) Series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
La Materialidad del Tiempo, Juan Carlos Amador grounds his recent work in two essential elements: cellulose and time. Using reclaimed wooden moldings from the 1980s and ’90s-original...
Paper, Oil Crayon
$5,517Sale Price|50% Off
H 36 in W 46 in D 3 in
Abstract Pink & Purple Flowers Interior Design by British Contemporary Artist
By Angela Wakefield
Located in Preston, GB
Painting of Abstract Red, Pink, Yellow & White Wild Flowers on a Natural Earthy Brown Background by British Contemporary Artist, Angel...
Gesso, Canvas, Paint, Cotton Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Watercolor
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 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
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
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
NGC-2070
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
Inspired by telescope images of deep space, contemporary computer compression algorithms, and early non-representational art, Chicago-artist Jan Pieter Fokkens recreates images that ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Messier 17
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...
Archival Ink, Photographic Paper
Study for NGC-2244
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...
Ink, Photographic Paper
Milky Way
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 "Milky Way...
Archival Ink, Photographic Paper
Black Hole GRO-1655-40
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
ABOUT I believe there is a deep lineage between modern art and the digital image. In essence there is something foreboding about the way the history of images feeds upon itself. It ...
Canvas, Archival Ink, Archival Paper
Game Over
By Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
ABOUT I believe there is a deep lineage between modern art and the digital image. In essence there is something foreboding about the way the history of images feeds upon itself. It ...
Archival Ink, Photographic Paper