Willem Dolphyn: Decadence

Working from his Antwerp studio for over five decades, Dolphyn developed a practice centred on the careful arrangement of objects drawn from his own collection. Textiles, ceramics, glassware and metalwork are brought together in structured compositions, often set against dark grounds that emphasise surface, reflection and material contrast. His approach reflects a close study of the Dutch and Flemish schools, where light, texture and the physical presence of objects are treated with precision and clarity.

In these paintings, familiar elements—fruit, vessels, fabrics—are assembled into deliberate and measured arrangements. The handling of paint is controlled, with attention given to the depiction of differing surfaces: the sheen of polished metal, the translucency of glass, and the density of woven cloth. Each object retains its individuality while contributing to the coherence of the whole.

Decadence brings together a selection of works that demonstrate the consistency of Dolphyn’s vision. Across the exhibition, the compositions reflect an enduring interest in collecting, display and the translation of tangible objects into paint, offering a sustained examination of still life as a genre grounded in tradition yet continuously renewed through practice.