(Pie In The Sky 2019, text by Manuela Klerkx)
About
Ralf Kokke’s paintings are a celebration of the archaic and the universal, embodying the timeless themes of paradise, nature, and the harmonious coexistence of humans, animals, and the divine. Born into a family of dockworkers, Kokke draws upon his childhood memories and dreams to craft his visions of a world that is both idyllic and fantastical, where the boundaries between reality and imagination are blurred.
Inspired by the fairy tales of Peter Pan, Pinocchio, and Sleeping Beauty, Kokke paints from the perspective of a child, capturing the sense of wonder and innocence that is so often lost in adulthood. Yet at the same time, he is acutely aware of the need to grow and mature, to let go of the comfort and safety of the paradise he depicts and embark on a journey of self-discovery.
In his work, Kokke draws upon the archetypes of Carl Jung, the imagery of cave paintings, Egyptian art, and Sumerian art, to create a visual narrative that transcends cultural and historical boundaries. Through his use of universal symbols and themes, Kokke invites the viewer to rediscover the world through the eyes of a child and to be transported to a place where dreams and reality coexist in perfect harmony.
In a world where the chaos and turmoil of everyday life can obscure our sense of wonder and magic, Ralf Kokke’s paintings are a reminder of the beauty and potential that lies within us all. Through his art, he invites us to embrace our inner child and to be reborn into a world of imagination and possibility.