Welcome! I’m Bart Carels—a contemporary artist based in Zaandam, The Netherlands. My work is deeply inspired by life’s special moments, personal memories, and everything that fuels my passions—from my Dutch‐Indonesian roots to growing up as an ‘80s kid, to my love for gaming, food, and all things retro. Consequently, these influences blend naturally into my detailed art prints and original paintings, creating pieces that resonate both emotionally and visually.
My Artistic Journey
Art isn’t just something I do—it’s an essential part of who I am. I started with simple pencil sketches when I was a child, gradually evolving into a distinctive visual language that marries traditional craftsmanship with modern pop‐culture aesthetics. Along the way, I experimented with everything from pencil and ink to acrylics on paper and canvas. Each painting I create now tells a unique story: a blend of meaningful experiences, nostalgia, and personal reflections. As a result, my artwork often connects deeply with collectors and art enthusiasts who share those same memories and passions.
My Artistic Style & Genre
Over the years, I discovered that my style naturally falls into what could be called Contemporary Pop‐Realism (sometimes dubbed “Neo‐Pop Realism”) with strong influences of Painterly Expressionism. Here’s how this manifests in my actual pieces:
- Pop‐Culture Portraits: Many paintings feature iconic figures from music and film—like my Beastie Boys portrait (vibrant hip-hop energy), the Weeknd painting (cinematic acrylic portrait), Prince and Lauryn Hill works (expressive pop music tributes), and Pulp Fiction scenes (cinematic tension and raw energy). By choosing cultural icons, I continue Pop Art’s tradition of elevating mass‐culture imagery into fine art.
- Gaming & Retro Tech: Pieces such as Gamer Girl (a nod to digital stillness), QuickJoy III Supercharger Arcade Joystick (nostalgic arcade energy), Walkman Cassette Player (vintage music tech), and Console Gamer or first‐person PS4 controller paintings (modern gaming perspective) show my affinity for ’80s/’90s gaming culture. These paintings use bold, contrasting colors—bright yellows, deep blues, and electric reds—set against darker backgrounds to evoke that glowing-screen feel.
- Food & Still Life: From Burger with Golden Drip (fast‐food pop art) to McDonald’s Milkshakes (teal background, crisp cups), Sambal Oelek (vibrant culinary tribute), Ketchup Bottle – “Time to Ketchup” (witty pop art), Bell Peppers Still Life, Cool Lemonade, and Tabasco Bottle, I explore food items with a playful, surreal touch. Warm reds and oranges often “pop” against cool teal or deep black fields, creating a mouthwatering, almost three‐dimensional effect.
- Music Legends & Vintage Icons: Beyond hip‐hop (e.g., Ice-T, Johnny Cash, Snoop Dogg), I paint jazz figures (like Ella Fitzgerald), rock/pop stars (Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars), and legendary groups (Beastie Boys, Jamiroquai). These portraits use loose, gestural strokes and selective detail—fusing realistic likeness with expressive texture—so each face feels both familiar and freshly stylized.
- Film & Pop‐Culture Scenes: Iconic movie moments like Pulp Fiction – Butch & Marsellus, Blade Runner – Rick Deckard, Back to the Future – Marty McFly Hoverboard, and Stevie Wonder & Grover on Sesame Street combine cinematic composition with bold color contrasts. In these works, deep blacks or moody blues set the stage for bright highlights (neon accents, metallic reflections) to create tension and nostalgia simultaneously.
- Minimalist Still Life & Everyday Objects: Some works focus on simple objects—like my Sunglasses & Keys still life, Misting Fan, Scouring Pad, or Cucumber Water painting—rendered with careful attention to light, shadow, and color. By isolating these everyday items against plain or gently textured backgrounds, I emphasize materiality and color contrast even in the smallest details.
In short, my work exists at the intersection of Pop Art subject matter and painterly fine‐art techniques. Each subject—whether a rapper’s portrait, a fast‐food staple, a gaming relic, or a vintage still life—is rendered in clear, recognizable form but painted with loose, expressive brushstrokes and high‐contrast palettes. This balance ensures every painting feels instantly familiar, yet excitingly new.
Explore My Collection
Whether you’re captivated by vibrant art prints or intrigued by one‐of‐a‐kind originals, my collection offers a diverse array of artwork that reflects my unique style. Each creation emphasizes attention to detail and museum‐quality production. For example, my art prints are produced using archival inks and heavyweight paper to ensure lasting vibrancy. Dive deeper into my work by browsing my Art Prints or exploring my Original Paintings. Whether you’re building a retro gallery wall or searching for a statement piece, you’ll find something that resonates with your own memories and passions.
The Heart of My Inspiration
My creativity springs from the rich tapestry of life’s simple joys and memories—from childhood nostalgia of the ‘80s to present‐day passions like gaming, culinary adventures, and pop culture. Growing up as the child of Dutch and Indonesian heritage, I was constantly surrounded by bold flavors, vibrant fabrics, and storytelling traditions. All of that informs the playful yet heartfelt nature of my art. Above all, I aim to share these personal connections and inspire similar feelings of nostalgia, humor, and joy in viewers.
Connect With Me
I’d love to connect! Feel free to explore more of my portfolio and stay updated on new artworks by following me on Instagram and Pinterest. Your support and engagement encourage me to push my creative boundaries and continually refine my style. For inquiries, commissions, or collaboration opportunities, please reach out via my contact form.
Thank you for visiting and joining me on this artistic journey!