A truism (orange) by Koeien van Klaas

About "A truism (orange)"

by Koeien van Klaas

About the artwork

A truism

What do you see at work?
This artwork shows a powerful cow in orange, rendered in a graphic pop art style. The lines are clean and clear, giving the cow an iconic look. If you look closely, you will discover the text "a truth like a cow" in transparent Helvetia letters subtly woven through the image. This hidden layer makes the viewer see something new again and again. Small details, such as the way surfaces and shadows are constructed, give the work depth and make it a playful voyage of discovery.

What was my inspiration for this work?
The inspiration comes from the combination of image and language. The Dutch proverb "a truth like a cow" is both powerful and humorous. I wanted to literally bring this expression to life by using the cow itself as a symbol. In doing so, I was inspired by pop art, in which everyday subjects are elevated into colourful icons.

Emotion or message
With this work, I want to show that some truths are so obvious that they almost become funny. It is a playful nod to the Dutch language and an ode to the cow as a symbol of our landscape and culture.

Technique
The work is digitally constructed from a photo of a cow, which I transformed step by step into a pop-art composition. I then experimented with colour areas and transparency. The choice of Helvetia letters provides a modern contrast to the organic shape of the cow and gives the work its unique layering.