Sardines with Cherry Tomatoes Puzzle

Medium: puzzle

Dimensions: H: 25 × W: 25 × D: 0

Year: 2024

Rooted in tradition and local customs, the work of Kristof Santy (b.1987 Roeselare, Belgium) is a rich and varied visual collection of elements from everyday life. Kristof maintains that his work is non-narrative as he does not view himself as a storyteller, instead he allows the imagery to speak for itself. By employing a stylistic realism in his paintings, Kristof’s subjects are given a depth that is both thought provoking and emotive.

This piece, titled Sardienen met Kerstomaten, depicts a sardine tin that has just been opened. By focusing on scale, and only hinting at a human presence, the sardines become anthropomorphized. Humanizing his subjects in this manner allows the viewer to connect in an unexpected and thought provoking way. Kristof’s trademark flattened perspective gives the sardine tin a unique quality and brings an overall playful tone to the painting.