Vincent Bal’s Shadowology
Many depictions of modern art seem to be getting increasingly complex, expensive, and, at times, a bit confusing. But that’s not what Belgian artist Vincent Bal does. Stripping art back to simplicity, Bal uses everyday objects to manipulate light and shadows in an innovative project he has termed ‘Shadowology’.
‘Bananas’: Via Instagram/Vincent_Bal
Beginning in 2016, Bal has created over 1,000 of these creative sketches, which are posted to his Instagram as part of the ‘Shadowology’ series. It all started when he noticed a shadow reflecting off a teacup on his desk, looking, in his own words, ‘a bit like a tiny elephant.’ From drawing the rest of this shadowy creature to posting this novel creation on his social media, he never looked back. The original goal to make 100 shadow doodles was quickly surpassed, and he has just kept going. And it really is as simple as finding an inanimate object, using the natural shadows from a light source, and filling in the gaps. Not many could create like Vincent Bal creates, though. He claims how the artistic freedom of ‘just me, a paper, a pen, and a lamp’ creates the gateway to all sorts of fanciful fabrications.
‘Old Timer’: Via Instagram/Vincent_Bal
It is hard to imagine visualizing a swimming pool reflected in a glass found in the kitchen cupboard. Or how the shadow reflected off a Christmas bauble gives the impression of a pig. But that is the beauty of this type of art, so dependent on the imagery within the artist’s mind. The brief touches of ink here and there simply bring to life those images captured within Bal’s imagination. Just the right amount of shadow at just the right angle can truly create an image that is a delight to behold.
‘My Antacid Pills’: Via Instagram/Vincent_Bal
‘Unemployed Sailor & His Dog’: Via Instagram/Vincent_Bal
The Belgian illustrator may not be the only artist to create such abstract drawings using the natural world around us. But not many artists are so unique as to use everyday objects found anywhere and everywhere. There are no sculptures nor collages in sight. A leaf is placed in the center of the artwork as a leaf. A pair of scissors is simply used as a pair of scissors. None of these seemingly boring everyday objects undergo any form of artistic transformation. Yet, here they are as the centerpiece of each of Bal’s creations, broadcast to his almost 1 million Instagram followers. His artwork perfectly captures the essence of letting your imagination run wild and finding beauty in the mundane. Anything can bring you and others joy; you just have to look hard enough!
‘Slicing Off A Split Second’: Via Instagram/Vincent_Bal
Behind every artist is the unique creative process that inspires their designs. Vincent Bal is no different. He stated in an interview with Vanity Teen how he lets his ideas come naturally, ‘instead of looking for that one great idea.’ Everyone has different ideas floating around in their imagination. Art really can be as simple as plucking one of these out and seeing where it takes you. Bal claimed how he used this technique, particularly in the early stages of ‘Shadowology’, to grasp a hold of an idea and see what materialized. If it didn’t work, he would simply move on to his next idea.
‘There is no limited number; you can just keep on finding new things forever’.
And that is how art and creativity should be looked at. A translation of the imagination. By not striving for absolute perfection and aiming for enjoyment over success, Bal has created his own captivating collection of shadows. Having created a book on his works and even selling his doodles on Etsy, the artist has turned his life into shadows. A true testament to doing what you love and reaping the rewards. And if other people take pleasure from it, well, then that’s just a plus.
In his own words, ‘if you focus on the work itself, if you enjoy the making, that in itself is the biggest reward.’
‘Slicing Off A Split Second’: Via Instagram/Vincent_Bal
