“One of 100 artists to watch”
The Hug, Randi Zuckerberg
Roberto has recently been recognized for his ironic paintings and his contribution to the contemporary art scene.
A view of my working space in Bevel (Antwerp)
Taking inspiration from Belgian masters such as Rubens, Ensor, and Delvaux, Roberto
Verde reinterprets timeless themes through a contemporary lens. His oil paintings guide
viewers through archetypal narratives, inviting them to explore the intricate connections
that lie beneath the surface.
Roberto's artistic process is defined by the meticulous application of thin layers of oil
paint and Damar resin, which serve as conduits for expressing hidden emotions in his
multi-dimensional compositions. Each piece becomes a journey into texture, depth,
and emotion.
In his recent work, Roberto explores how memory, instinct, and form rise from beneath the surface—shaped not only by observation, but also by what Jung called the collective unconscious. Each painting is a quiet search for an image that feels both deeply personal and strangely universal. He calls this the “amse-amse” moment. He smiles, catching himself in the act of being too serious—perhaps the chase is the point, not the capture.
The “amse-amse” moment—short for “a most singular expression of a most singular emotion”—is how he refers to that elusive instant when form and feeling briefly align, akin to poetry in motion.***
***Vrij naar het bekende citaat van Willem Kloos over poëzie, einde 19de eeuw.
