After an intense period of painting, Van Dessel - having profoundly explored the medium of painting and feeling constraint by its very precepts - takes up the challenge of freeing himself from the (exclusiveness of) the medium, techniques and conventions. There is nothing impetuous in his decision and with ultimate dedication and precision, he embarks on a renewed quest. Through mapping, measuring and recording he allows the overlooked to take centre stage in his work. Out of the everyday elements are tested on their potential to generate and crystalize into visual recordings of actions in time and space.

Initially Van Dessel takes his studio as his prima materia; the workshop acts as a point of reference to determine his own stance. The effective measuring of the studio space through the use of the X, Y and Z axes and his position within it (e.g. HOTSPOT, 2011) is emblematically resonating the meaning of being an artist in contemporary society.
(Sylvie Vandenhoucke)