Stefaan De Croock, captivating audiences with his innovative artistry, has made a distinctive mark in the world of art through his ‘Strook’ project. This Bruges-based master of fine arts, with his expert background in graphic design from Sint-Lucas School of Arts in Ghent, challenges traditional art narratives by revitalizing discarded materials into expressive geometric figurative murals. By repurposing aged wood from old doors and furniture, De Croock weaves a rich tapestry of textures and patterns that evoke a sense of interconnectedness with the past. Each mural, an intricate blend of shapes and hues, breathes life into forgotten stories, as if whispering shared secrets of bygone eras through the wood’s timeworn patina.
De Croock’s murals not only transform spaces but also transform perceptions, offering a fresh perspective on sustainability and artistic expression. By employing these abandoned materials, he embarks on a creative journey that merges the old with the new, crafting artworks that transcend time and cultural boundaries. His work has a silent eloquence, each piece carrying with it a narrative that speaks of renewal and the cyclical nature of life. In a world increasingly focused on disposable culture, De Croock offers a poignant reminder of the beauty in reclamation, urging us to see potential in what once stood obsolete. This seamless fusion of history and modern artistry challenges us to contemplate their connection to the environments they inhabit and the stories embedded within them.
I like to work with the old patina of discarded wood; it’s like a footprint of time because every piece has its own story and comes together in a new composition which then forms yet another story. Silent witnesses of an unknown history.
Stefaan De Croock
More info: Website, Behance, Instagram (h/t: Yatzer).
