MANNEKEN PIS
acrylic / canvas
40 x 20 cm / 2021
A Symbol in Times of Crisis
the way I see it
This color study is part of my process of exploring composition and color relationships for the final painting. I was inspired by the iconic Brussels statue, Manneken Pis, which I transformed into the language of tangram. The figure of the boy takes on new symbolism here—within the context of global events that have profoundly impacted our world.
The red background creates dramatic tension, emphasizing the contrast between the figure and the yellow stars. The black geometric shapes abstract the character, while the stars add dynamism and a deeper layer of meaning to the composition. The painting reflects an era that reshaped our perception of certainty and revealed the interconnectedness of the world—not only in positive ways but also during moments of crisis.
This study helped me refine the placement of elements, proportions, and the relationships between color and form, allowing me to capture the tension between symbolism, context, and visual expression more effectively in the final artwork.



