Strook

This is the first monograph on contemporary Belgian artist Stefaan De Croock (b.1982), alias Strook.

He is known for his collaged portraits made from reclaimed and found wood, and attracts wide international acclaim with his layered canvases, sculptures and installations. The theme of time runs throughout his work and is reflected in the rough, patinated materials he uses. "Old, weathered materials have something magical for me. They emanate a certain spontaneity that is impossible to recreate. The colours, the paint, the relief... They are a visible record of everything the material has ever gone through. You can truly see time." - Strook As part of the Mind the Artist project by Musea Brugge, work by Strook will be on show from 30 October 2021 to 6 March 2022 at various historic locations throughout the city. Text in English and Dutch.

About the Author

Thijs Demeulemeester is a Belgian journalist who specialises in interior design, contemporary art, and architecture. He writes for the Belgian newspaper, De Tijd (The Times), Weekend Knack, and SABATO, the weekend magazine of De Tijd, among others. He is the author of Stoned (2018, Lannoo) and Wunderkammer (2017, Lannoo) and has co-authored numerous titles, including Carchitecture (2020, Lannoo), and Homes for Nomads (2021, Lannoo).

100 colour, 4 b/w illustrations