Ien Lucas

Ien Lucas Dutch painter abstract art paintings

Ien Lucas (born 1955, Echt) is a Dutch visual artist known for her abstract, material-rich paintings, created in the serene setting of two outbuildings at the Trappist monastery of Lilbosch Abbey in Echt.

Ien Lucas believes the painting process to be part of the art itself. The completed art piece is a reflection of the daily job of a painter: it’s the result of passionate experimentation with materials, colours and compositions. Playing with different shapes and forms, she goes beyond a mere visualisation of reality to provide an emotional and intangible experience meant to inspire and not narrate. Regardless of their size and material, these artworks never fail to capture your attention and make an impact.

“That is the strange thing about abstract art, but at the same time also its basis of existence: the meaning of a work of art is apparently not in the representation, it lies in its form, and a form unrelated to the otherwise observable world, can be a meaningful form” wrote Lambert Tegenbosch about Lucas’ work.

Her work is defined by an exploration of acrylic paint and a range of materials that extend the traditional boundaries of painting. Lucas often works in series, producing “notes” on small formats that serve as studies or starting points for larger-scale pieces. Her creative journey was influenced by her studies under notable artists René Daniëls and Jan Dibbets, where she expanded her focus to include textile design and experimental graphic techniques. In her practice, Lucas employs diverse methods and materials to create layered, textural compositions. While her paintings are frequently untitled, her series sometimes bear associative or descriptive titles that reflect the unique techniques and concepts guiding their creation.