Luc Tuymans: Painting as Concept and Resistance

In a 2001 interview, Luc Tuymans, a Belgian artist born in Mortsel in 1958, reflects on painting as a conceptual endeavor. He shares insights about his break from 1981 to 1985 for filmmaking and highlights the importance of memory and 'weak points' in his art. Tuymans prioritizes the psychological aspects over the physical, advocating for deep reflection. He favors subdued colors for their lasting impact on memory and points out the diminishing significance of iconography. Criticizing aestheticism, he notes that viewers' attention spans have reduced to thirty seconds per artwork. His creative process begins with a concept, followed by rapid image selection and painting. Tuymans also mentions his 'Heimat' series on Flemish nationalism and upcoming major exhibitions in London, Madrid, and Philadelphia, as well as his involvement in Documenta.