The ‘Solo Show’ exhibition at St Vincents Gallery in Antwerp is an opportunity to see for the first time the work of Nick Valentijn, a young designer who has revolutionised the approach to applied art by pushing the boundaries between design, sculpture and craft. His works, realised in metal and wood, are not just objects, but an invitation to reflect on the creative process and the boundary between function and form.
‘Where control ends, art begins’ – Tension as a key to understanding Valentijn’s work
Nick Valentijn (b. 1999) is an artist who understands material as a collaborator rather than a tool. His approach to metal and wood is full of improvisation and interaction, where not only the creative intent but also the reactions of the material are most important. The artist’s work begins where control ends: in the tension between hand and raw material, between intention and chance. It is in this space that objects are created that have something to say.
In the Solo Show, held at the St Vincents gallery, Valentijn shows 12 exceptional works, including three from his 2024 graduation project at the Maastricht Academy of Fine Arts. His works are not only utilitarian objects, but above all creative manifestos that question the boundaries between functionality and abstract form.
Creating through action: Process in focus
For Valentijn, the creative process is a continuous act of creation that begins with loose sketches – almost automatic, minimalist gestures that are meant to capture only the essence of the shape. Proportions are felt and irregularities are treated as part of the process rather than something to be corrected. The aim is not to create a perfect object, but to capture the moment when material, creative impulse and space meet.
His approach to metal comes from his experiments with clay, which began in his grandfather’s workshop – the first place where the artist encountered moulding raw materials. There, throwing clay against tools and walls, he discovered how matter reacts to force, time and space. This approach to creation based on reaction and spontaneity is the foundation of all his work, which eschews planned effect in favour of surprising results.
Sculpture in functional space: Forms that question functionality
In Valentijn’s work, utilitarian objects cease to fulfil only their primary role and become something more: gestures that go beyond function. The sofa that the artist presents in the exhibition is not meant to provide comfort – it is a rejection of the traditional notion of functionality that leads the viewer into an area of doubt about the nature of comfort. The wardrobe, instead of acting as storage, becomes an attempt to show volume, and the candlestick, not only illuminating the space, but attracting attention with its monumental form.
Valentijn’s works are not just a game of breaking down classical categories, but an attempt to understand at what point an object becomes more than just a utilitarian object.
‘Workshop’ – the space that defines a work of art
Nick Valentijn’s workshop is a perfect representation of his approach to creativity – a place that shapes the work in such a way that imperfections become part of the creative process. It is located on a rural farm in the Netherlands, where brutal weather conditions and harsh surroundings influence the development of patinas and metal reactions. The lack of comforts and conveniences fosters a focus on the creative process itself – it is there, without unnecessary considerations, that objects are created that testify to improvisation and intuition.
“I’m not overly concerned with planning, problem solving occurs during the creation process. The key is to respond directly to the material and the space in which I am working,” says Valentijn.
Key works in the exhibition
Bench – A bench made of copper whose shape and structure reflect Valentijn’s philosophy of creation. Hand-formed machining marks make the object balance between sculpture and utilitarian object.
Brass Stool – A brass stool that combines austerity of form with a finely crafted surface, giving the impression of raw and perfect at the same time.
Bookshelf – A bookshelf in brass that creates a multi-dimensional effect with its combination of matt patina and glossy surfaces. An object that changes depending on the angle of view.
CandleHolders – Candle holders that, in their monumentality, evoke spatial tension, introducing doubt as to what the object’s functionality actually is.
Candleand Match Holder – An object that juxtaposes non-obvious proportions – a huge candle holder contrasting with a small matchbox, making both the size and the precision of the workmanship crucial to its perception.
Summary: A revolution in design
The Solo Show is an opportunity to discover the work of an artist who is challenging the classical understanding of design and applied art. In his work, function gives way to form and the creative process becomes as important as the final result. Valentijn goes beyond traditional design, combining spontaneity with precision, austerity with sophistication, and material with improvisation.
Photographs: Alexander Popelier
See also: Art | Culture | Gold | Belgium
