What is your specialty, what makes your work unique? Or place your artist's statement.

In the associative and philosophical works of Jochem Mestriner all sorts of real and fictional characters, scenario’s, and narratives appear. Inspired by literature, video games, art history, and language, Mestriner’s approach starts with reading and writing. Writing himself as much as reading, the artist triggers thoughts, associations, characters, and shapes; sometimes reminiscent of epic tales that predate us, sometimes wildly unfamiliar. By rewriting, rethinking, shaping and reshaping, eventually his work materialises into the paintings we see. Mestriner’s works, in that sense, are like a continuous exercise of thought in which characters from one painting can easily appear again in others and new patterns or narratives can suddenly emerge.

Different stories and scenarios also require Mestriner to paint in different styles. Keen on single brushstrokes, he enjoys expressing the painterly nature and futility of imagination. Bordering the absurd at times, Mestriner’s paintings challenge the spectator to read into them. The true anecdotes behind the paintings, however, are not easily revealed, bordering humour, weirdness, and the epic character of classic stories.

Text by Menno Vuister

What are your ambitions? What do you want to be in five years?

I want to continue making work and explore the field of Fine arts, as well as enjoy working together with amazing artists. I plan to partake in it's joys for a long time, exchange and intertwine perspectives, organize exhibitions and write more stories. Although I want to take a break from formal education, I definitely want to continue studying, either in a postgraduate institute or receive my Masters degree.

What is the most important thing you have learned during your studies?

The world is at your feet! Wear nice shoes!

List of publications / exhibitions / prices / concerts / shows etc.

2021 - HKU Exposure 2021

2020 October - November - LIMBURG BIËNNALE, Marres, huis voor hedendaagse cultuur

2020 January - IT’S MY TURN, HKU Group show

2019 April - HKU Group show, Lou Oudenoord

Internships, other activities:
2020 January - Construction of Jop Vissers Vorstenbosch’s ‘Monument voor het digitaal falen’ in Bibliotheek Utrecht at The Neude.

Nominated for Dooyewaard Stipendium 2021 - 2022