Published on July 27th:
Figurative versus Abstract
In essence, all of Lisette Huizenga’s paintings are abstract. Even when recognisable forms appear, the work remains a composition of lines, colour, light and texture.
The difference between figurative and abstract lies mainly in how easily the viewer recognises something. For many people, purely abstract work can be difficult to approach. That is why, in her more recent series, she has begun to play with recognisable elements — people, animals, spaces — within an abstract world.
These figurative additions act as an invitation: they give the viewer an entrance, after which the abstract composition can take them further. The result is a charged balance between recognition and wonder.
Geometric Spaces
A few years ago, the series Geometric Spaces emerged. In it, Huizenga combines the strict abstraction of Mondrian with spatial illusions. Two iconic works by Mondrian served as a starting point, but she let the forms evolve into a dynamic, three-dimensional world of pyramids, spheres and cubes.
For the exhibition Spinoza and the Art of Happiness at Haagse Kunstkring, she made nine small paintings that, together with six diamond shapes, formed one large installation.
For the exhibition Spinoza and the Art of Happiness in the Haagse Kunstkring, I created nine small paintings that, together with six diamond shapes, formed one large installation.
New Development 2026
Recently she has taken up six works from this series again and developed them in two directions.
- Geometric Bridge (purely abstract). Here she looks for greater clarity, movement and abstract tension within the geometric forms.
- Geometric Bridge (with figurative elements) In this variant, she adds recognizable elements, such as people and animals. Mondrian's strict abstraction remains recognizable, but now becomes an inhabited, spatial environment.
It is interesting to see how these two directions exist side by side: one purely in form and rhythm, the other with a narrative and human layer.
Lisette is curious to hear how others experience this. Responses, questions or recognition are welcome.