Artist statement

Jasper van den Ham’s paintings invite viewers into vibrant worlds intertwining elements of nature, memory, and emotion. Drawing inspiration from the interplay between exploring and staying inside, he seeks to capture the emotional resonance of place—whether it’s the dappled sunlight on a tiled floor, the silhouette of a palm against a glowing sky, or the quiet intimacy of a sunlit room.

At the heart of his work is a fascination with trees and plants—not merely as elements of the landscape, but as vibrant, living beings with unique energy, character, and an ever-changing palette of hues. Through expressive, layered brushwork and carefully chosen, saturated colors, Jasper strives to evoke the feeling and atmosphere of these environments, constructing forms and edges that invite viewers to immerse themselves in the landscapes of his imagination.

Jasper’s childhood was marked by relocations due to his father’s work. These experiences may have influenced his artistic approach, leading him to combine memories of various places into new, non-existent landscapes. Rather than depicting specific locations, his paintings merge these layered memories and impressions, balancing abstraction and representation. Recurring motifs—plants, architectural details, and vibrant textiles—reflect his belief that environments shape our moods and memories. Each piece becomes a new landscape—part real, part imagined—reflecting the fluidity of memory and the way our perception of place is shaped by time and feeling.

Ultimately, Jasper’s art is about creating a sense of belonging and wonder, offering viewers a visual escape. Each painting is both a personal reflection and an open invitation for viewers to find their own stories within these spaces.