Kris Trappeniers: Artist Research

Based in Belgium, Kris Trappeniers creates complex portraits.

Using a scalpel and a single piece of paper he is able to produce detailed stencils that result in an artwork that imitates hand drawn fine art.

His process starts with him creating loose portraits on paper that are then cut out by hand with an X-acto knife. The final artwork appears as he spray paints over the stencil, negative and positive space intertwining to reveal his final illustration

His versatile and experimental approach to stencil, is inspired by traditional Japanese papercuts (kiri-e), anti-pop culture in the eighties and the arts & crafts movement of the 19th century.

The flowing and interconnected lines visible create irregular patterns within the face of the portrait. In doing so it communicates a complexity that exists within humans- it reminds me of the nervous system and how science still cannot explain some aspects of human nature.

It also reminds me of the string unraveled from the body of clothing. The symbolism this holds is that when weaved it is stronger than when it is a single line of thread.