Abstract woman, 2003€750
Available!
Abstract woman, 2003
€750
- Theo Mackaay (1950)
- Oil on panel
- Signed and dated
- 51.5 x 51.5 cm
- Framed
Available!
This painting is a stylized, abstract composition with strong, expressive shapes and warm, earthy tones. The figures are rendered in a cubist-influenced manner, with bold outlines and simplified, interlocking forms. The dominant hues are ochre, rust, brown, and muted turquoise, with highlights of red and black adding depth and contrast.
The central figure appears to be reclining or embracing another, their limbs and torsos merging into a unified, almost sculptural form. One face is partially visible, with closed eyes and red hair flowing down—evoking a sense of calm or introspection. The figures’ bodies are segmented into geometric planes, creating a sense of movement and emotional intimacy.
This work is reminiscent of Theo Mackaay’s signature style—what he calls “deformed figurism”—where human forms are distorted but remain emotionally resonant. The painting emphasizes sensuality, connection, and the emotional weight of the human form, using color and form to evoke a dreamlike, contemplative atmosphere.
Theo Mackaay (born November 19, 1950, in Utrecht) is a Dutch artist known for his work as a sculptor, painter, and musician. He studied at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie and the Rijksacademie van Beeldende Kunsten in Amsterdam. Mackaay rose to national fame in 1980 as the designer of the Gouden Kalf, the main award of the Netherlands Film Festival.
His artistic style, often described as “deformed figurism,” draws inspiration from Picasso, Marini, and Zadkine. Mackaay’s sculptures and paintings often depict archetypal themes like warriors, lovers, and horses in expressive, stylized forms. His work has evolved over time, ranging from bold bronzes to more intimate pieces, and he has exhibited internationally.
In addition to visual art, Mackaay is an accomplished musician. In the 1970s, he performed with Dutch singer Lenny Kuhr and co-founded the socially conscious band Braak. After a long break, he returned to music in 2016 with a Dutch-language album blending Americana, rock, and blues. He currently lives and works in Málaga, Spain.