Panels

Frank has moved away from traditional painting; the act of creating a painting on a canvas stretched over a frame is now a closed chapter for him. The use of a wooden base feels “more logical” to him. The question of when something qualifies as a painting is part of this consideration. A diptych of two panels, with two drawings attached between them, arranged like a book, can for Frank be considered a painting. Panels come closest to what is generally recognized as painting. It is precisely the exploration of the boundaries of painting that holds significance for Frank.

When is it still considered painting, and when is it not?
Does it matter whether it is a painting?
If it contains sealant, is it still a painting? If stir sticks protrude from it, does it become a wall sculpture?

The use of materials from his house painting practice, such as protective felt, sealant, and stir sticks, which have found their way into his art, makes van Ansem’s panels intriguing. Sometimes, the stir sticks appear to have been forcefully thrust into the panels, and the panels seem to bleed silicone sealant.