Quarantaine

Quarantaine is Robin Uleman’s first solo exhibition. In recent years, Uleman (1969) has portrayed his girlfriend and himself on numerous occasions. Uncompromisingly, he investigates the intimate inner world of two people in their mid-forties. During this period, his girlfriend undergoes medical treatment, which has a dramatic impact on their lives. Uleman dissects this experience in a series of intense studies and drawings.

The exhibition’s title refers to the two lovers’ temporary isolation: together and alone at the same time. Many of the portraits depict bathing and sleeping scenes: daily recurring activities that are connected with birth and death. His studious, serial working method and technical skill are a way of scanning and exploring emotions and thoughts. This results in a series of drawings, watercolours and paintings of varying sizes, in colour and black and white. Some are gentle and fragile, whereas others are clinical and wrought. The physical and human presence form a common thread.

Robin Uleman studied at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam and made a name for himself as a graphic designer. He has developed several books with documentary photographer Henk Wildschut, including Ville de Calais, which was awarded the prestigious Arles Prix du Livre d'Autheur 2017.

Stedelijk Museum Breda is publishing a review of Robin Uleman's work to accompany the exhibition by Dingeman Kuilman, designed by Rob van Hoesel.

Image: Robin Uleman, Submerged III, 2016, charcoal, conté crayon and pastel on coloured paper, 18.9 x 24.8” (48.2 x 63.2 cm). Photography: Willem Popelier.