Art Story

In "Er beweegt wat in mijn tuin", Roger Raveel returns to one of his most familiar motifs: the garden as a space for observation and inner reflection. This painting belongs to the later period of his oeuvre, marked by pared-down compositions, simple forms, generous white space, and a pronounced sense of stillness. The horizon view in the background echoes this restrained style, with a subtle interplay of soft, light tones. In contrast, the foreground is animated by a vibrant mix of colours and dynamic brushwork. Raveel suggests movement - not through a depicted object, but through the expressive painterly gesture itself, which stands in stark contrast to the serene backdrop. This evocation of movement may suggest an affinity with Jim Dine, the American (pop) artist - a connection also mentioned in the literature on Raveel. As so often in his work, Raveel leaves room for interpretation: are we looking out at his beloved garden through a window, or are we immersed in the scene itself? This ambiguous position invites the viewer to reflect - on the image and on their own way of looking. At the same time, the painting sparks curiosity: what exactly do we see moving in that garden?