The Claessens Belgian Linen Canvas Legacy: A Tradition of Craftsmanship
Nestled in the heart of West Flanders, amidst the picturesque landscape between the historic cities of Kortrijk and Ghent, lies Claessens, a name synonymous with excellence in the world of art. Since its establishment in 1906, Claessens Belgian Linen Canvas has been at the forefront of preserving artisanal methods in an era increasingly dominated by automation. Located near the River Leie, within the flax-rich district of Flanders, the company continues to honor centuries-old traditions, producing canvases that are known for their unmatched strength and timeless beauty.
The River Leie, which has long been referred to as the "Golden River" due to the wealth generated by the flax trade, winds through this fertile region. The land, rich in soil and nurtured by a temperate maritime climate, provides the perfect conditions for flax cultivation. This hardy plant, renowned for its tall, elegant stature and remarkable tensile strength, undergoes an intricate and delicate process known as retting. By immersing the harvested flax in the waters of the River Leie, the tough outer stalks are softened, allowing the precious inner fibers to be carefully extracted. These fibers are then spun into yarns of extraordinary resilience and quality, forming the foundation for the prestigious Claessens Belgian Linen Canvas.
The Timeless Qualities of Linen: A Perfect Medium for Artistic Expression
Linen, with its rich history and natural elegance, holds a special place in the world of art. It is a material that not only withstands the test of time but also enhances the work of those who choose to create upon its surface. When you consider the timeless nature of linen, it's clear that it has more than just functional qualities. Linen represents a connection to the past and a continuation of craftsmanship that is increasingly rare in today’s world. The strength, texture, and visual appeal of linen create an unparalleled foundation for the artist's creativity. Each fiber tells a story of nature’s design, working in harmony with the artist's hand to bring forth something extraordinary.
The beauty of linen lies not just in its aesthetic qualities but in its ability to engage with the artist on a deeper level. The surface of a canvas made from linen responds to every stroke, capturing the fluidity of the artist’s movements and adapting to the direction of the brush with natural grace. It is almost as if the canvas is alive, drawing the artist’s vision into its fibers, allowing the painting to evolve in harmony with the artist’s intentions. This interactive relationship between material and medium creates a unique creative experience, one that cannot be replicated by synthetic fabrics or lesser materials. The canvas, in essence, becomes part of the artwork itself.
In addition to its aesthetic and tactile qualities, linen is celebrated for its durability and strength. Unlike other materials that may deteriorate over time or lose their integrity, linen withstands the passage of years, preserving the artwork for future generations. This enduring nature of linen is one of the key reasons why it has remained the preferred choice of artists for centuries. The longevity of the material ensures that a piece of art, once completed, will retain its vibrancy and character long after it has left the artist’s hands. Whether displayed in galleries, museums, or private collections, artworks created on linen continue to captivate and inspire, serving as a testament to the artist’s skill and the material’s resilience.
Moreover, linen offers something no synthetic material can match: the rich texture that evolves with time. The irregular weave of the fibers, which gives the surface its unique, organic texture, allows light to interact with the painting in fascinating ways. As the layers of paint settle and age, they continue to respond to the linen beneath, enhancing the depth and complexity of the artwork. This gradual, natural evolution of texture over time adds a layer of storytelling to the piece, making it not just an object to admire but a living, breathing work of art that reflects the passage of time.
This connection to nature is especially important in the context of Claessens Belgian Linen Canvas. The company’s commitment to preserving the traditional qualities of linen speaks to a dedication to craftsmanship that is deeply embedded in their production process. Each canvas is carefully crafted with the finest flax fibers, ensuring that the inherent strength and beauty of linen are fully realized. From the initial stages of weaving, where skilled artisans carefully control the tension of the threads, to the final priming and sizing processes, every step is executed with a level of precision that ensures the canvas will perform to the highest standards.
The meticulous attention to detail in the production of Claessens' canvas ensures that each roll of fabric is not just a medium for painting, but a masterpiece in its own right. The surface, once primed, provides an exceptional foundation for oil paints, watercolors, and acrylics, allowing the artist to manipulate the paint with ease while the fabric responds with a natural grace. The result is a canvas that enhances every brushstroke, providing the artist with a tool that amplifies their skill and vision. This is why artists who work with Claessens Belgian Linen Canvas often speak of it not as a surface, but as an essential part of their artistic process, an integral element that helps bring their work to life in ways that other materials simply cannot match.
It is this unique combination of strength, texture, and historical resonance that makes linen such an exceptional medium for artistic expression. The fibers, having been harvested and woven with care, respond to the artist’s touch in ways that feel almost intuitive. As the artist builds layer upon layer of paint, the linen holds the colors, shapes, and forms with a natural fidelity that few other materials can achieve. This deep connection between artist and canvas results in artworks that are not only visually stunning but also imbued with a sense of authenticity and permanence that transcends the physical medium.
Ultimately, the true value of linen as an artistic medium lies in its ability to connect the artist to a long tradition of craftsmanship and expression. It is a material that has been passed down through generations of artists, each of whom has added their own story to the fabric. With every brushstroke, the artist continues this legacy, building upon the work of those who have come before them, while simultaneously creating something entirely new. The enduring quality of linen ensures that their vision will live on, just as the works of the old masters have continued to captivate audiences for centuries. Through Claessens Belgian Linen Canvas, this tradition is not only preserved but celebrated, allowing new generations of artists to contribute to a legacy that will last for centuries to come.
By choosing Claessens canvas, the artist is not just selecting a surface to paint upon; they are aligning themselves with a tradition of excellence that has been honed over centuries. The canvas becomes an extension of the artist’s hand, a living, breathing medium that responds to the brush with a dynamic, almost spiritual quality. This relationship between artist and canvas, nurtured through the centuries, continues to be one of the most profound aspects of the creative process. In the end, linen is more than just a material; it is the conduit through which the artist’s vision comes to life, and its enduring legacy ensures that their work will remain vibrant and powerful for generations to come.
A Canvas of Legacy: The Enduring Philosophy Behind Claessens Canvas
To understand the Claessens Belgian Linen Canvas is to connect with a legacy that stretches back through generations of craftsmanship. The company’s dedication to artisanal methods and its rejection of mass production techniques allows artists to engage with a canvas that is not just a static surface but a living, breathing part of their creative process. Each piece of Claessens canvas is crafted with a deep respect for tradition, and it is this commitment to excellence that has earned the company its esteemed reputation among artists worldwide.
Unlike industrially manufactured alternatives, which often sacrifice the subtle nuances of the materials they use, Claessens' canvas is the product of human hands working in harmony with nature. The flax, harvested and processed by hand, retains its connection to the land, and every thread woven into the fabric is a part of a much larger story. This devotion to craftsmanship ensures that each roll of Claessens Belgian Linen Canvas becomes an active participant in the artist’s journey. The texture, the response to paint, and the sheer resilience of the material transform the process of creating art into a symbiotic exchange between the artist and the canvas.
The priming and sizing processes at Claessens are just as integral to the overall quality of the canvas. By carefully applying layers of traditional primer, Claessens ensures that the canvas is not only prepared to hold paint but that it can do so in a way that enhances the color’s vibrancy and depth. The result is a canvas that not only endures through time but also becomes more beautiful as it ages, capturing the essence of the artist’s work and preserving it for future generations.
This deep connection between the canvas and the artist is what truly sets Claessens apart. It is not merely a tool, but an instrument of creation, with its texture and strength offering an enduring foundation for every brushstroke. Artists find themselves not simply painting on the canvas, but rather weaving their expressions into a tapestry that is shaped by the material itself. The fibers of the linen become a conduit for the artist’s vision, offering a sensitivity and responsiveness that is often absent in mass-produced alternatives. Every stroke is an exchange between the artist’s hand and the very fibers of the canvas, allowing the work to emerge from the surface in a way that feels organic and alive.
This responsiveness to the artist’s touch is one of the unique characteristics that have made Claessens' canvas a preferred choice for artists who seek to create works that are both enduring and deeply personal. The canvas invites the artist to explore, experiment, and push boundaries, knowing that the material will respond with a level of complexity and richness that few other surfaces can provide. The relationship between artist and canvas becomes an ongoing dialogue, where every layer of paint builds upon the last, each addition revealing new dimensions and textures that only a high-quality linen canvas can offer.
As the canvas weathers the passage of time, it becomes an even more integral part of the artwork’s identity. Unlike synthetic materials that can degrade and lose their vibrancy, the linen surface of Claessens canvas absorbs the paint and the history of the artwork, enriching its depth and character as the years go by. It is a canvas that matures with age, becoming more connected to the essence of the work and preserving its beauty for generations to come.
In a world increasingly dominated by automation and mass production, Claessens stands as a beacon of artistry and craftsmanship. Their approach is a testament to the belief that true art begins with the finest materials and respect for the craft. Each piece of Claessens Belgian Linen Canvas tells a story, not just through the image created on its surface but through the labor, the tradition, and the love that goes into every fiber, every weave, and every layer of primer. It is a canvas that invites not just artists but also collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts to engage with the work on a deeper level. This connection to the past, to craftsmanship, and the very essence of artistic creation is what makes Claessens' canvas more than just a surface—it is an enduring part of the artist’s legacy.
A Canvas Fit for Masterpieces
Choosing a Claessens Belgian Linen Canvas is more than just a material decision; it is a commitment to the art of painting itself. This canvas, honed through centuries of tradition, is not merely a tool for artistic creation but a partner in the artist’s journey. The history, the craftsmanship, and the materials all converge to form a canvas that is ideal for producing masterpieces that will stand the test of time and continue to inspire long after they have left the artist’s studio.
Claessens canvas offers a unique experience for artists, providing them with a surface that responds to their creative impulses with a level of sensitivity that can only come from working with natural fibers. Whether the artist is creating a work of historical significance or a personal piece, the canvas becomes an integral part of the artwork’s life. It is a canvas that does not just hold paint but carries the artist’s vision, creating a tangible connection between the artist and the canvas that transcends time.
Through Claessens, artists have access to a tradition of excellence that has been honed and perfected over generations. The Belgian Linen Canvas is more than just a medium; it is a living testament to the dedication, skill, and heritage that have shaped the world of art for centuries. When an artist chooses Claessens, they are not just selecting a surface to paint on, they are selecting a legacy, a piece of craftsmanship that will endure long after the paint has dried.
The Transformation of Flax into Artistry
The journey of flax transforming into the renowned Claessens Belgian Linen Canvas begins in the sun-kissed fields of Flanders, where flax grows in abundance under the temperate climate. This natural transformation is nothing short of alchemy, an ancient process steeped in tradition and crafted with precision. The flax plants, golden and swaying with the breeze, are carefully harvested at the peak of their growth. The first step in this metamorphosis is retting, a delicate process where the flax stems are steeped in the cool, nutrient-rich waters of the River Leie. This immersion in water serves to break down the tough bonds within the plant’s stalk, allowing the fibers to be extracted with gentle precision. The timing of this process is critical, as too much or too little time in the water can affect the quality of the fibers, which must be just right for the creation of exceptional canvas.
Once harvested and retted, the fibers are meticulously separated from the stalks, revealing their extraordinary length and lustrous quality. These fibers are spun into strong, durable linen yarns that possess an unmatched finesse. Unlike the rougher fibers used for less refined fabrics, the flax fibers destined for Claessens canvas are treated with the utmost care to preserve their natural beauty and strength. This creates a yarn that is not only resilient but also capable of bearing the weight of fine art for generations to come. The spun fibers are then woven into linen, a fabric known for its durability, texture, and aesthetic appeal. The art of weaving the linen is a crucial step in determining the fabric’s quality. The weaving process must strike a balance between the tightness and looseness of the threads, ensuring that the canvas will support the artist's brushstrokes without compromising its integrity. The right tension in the weave gives the canvas an inherent responsiveness, allowing it to breathe alongside the artist’s creative expression.
The Ritual of Preservation
After the weaving process, the linen is carefully prepared for its final role as a canvas for artistic creation. Each bolt of linen is meticulously inspected to ensure it meets the high standards of quality set by Claessens. Any imperfections, no matter how minor, are addressed before the canvas moves to the next stage in its transformation. The linen’s surface is then treated with a delicate sizing process, an ancient technique that has been perfected over centuries. Traditionally, natural rabbit skin glue is used for sizing, though modern alternatives may also be employed depending on the artist’s needs. This sizing forms a critical barrier between the canvas and the layers of primer and paint that will follow. By applying the sizing, Claessens ensures that the fibers of the linen remain protected, preventing the paints from infiltrating the natural fibers and causing deterioration over time.
The sizing process is not just about creating a protective barrier. It is also an essential act of preservation, one that ensures the longevity and durability of the canvas. It allows the fabric to retain its natural flexibility and elasticity, enabling it to respond to the artist’s movements and brushstrokes. This characteristic is one of the hallmarks of Claessens' canvas, giving it a living, breathing quality that other canvases may lack. After the sizing is complete, the linen undergoes the priming process, a critical phase that prepares the surface to accept paint and pigment. Traditional oil or acrylic primers are applied by hand in multiple layers, each one meticulously cured before the next is applied. This layering process ensures that the canvas is prepared to withstand the demands of various painting techniques, from the delicate glazes of oil painting to the bold strokes of acrylics.
A Canvas for the Ages
The final result is a canvas that is much more than a simple surface for paint. It becomes an active participant in the creative process. The primed linen is receptive to the artist’s vision, providing a perfect medium for the expression of both subtle details and grand gestures. As the artist applies paint to the canvas, the natural elasticity of the fabric allows it to respond to each stroke, creating a dynamic interaction between the paint and the surface. This responsive quality elevates the act of painting, as the canvas itself seems to absorb and amplify every mark, making each piece of art a unique and intimate dialogue between the artist and the material.
The Claessens canvas is not merely a functional tool; it is a testament to the craftsmanship, tradition, and artistry that have been passed down through generations. Every stage of its creation, from the initial harvesting of flax to the final application of primer, is an act of reverence and dedication. Each canvas carries with it the essence of the Flemish landscape, the history of the flax trade, and the collective artistry of the craftsmen who have perfected the process over more than a century. The result is a canvas that transcends its utilitarian role, becoming a medium that carries with it the weight of history, culture, and craftsmanship.
This commitment to excellence and tradition ensures that each piece of Claessens linen canvas is not just a surface for paint, but a partner in the creative process. The canvas responds to the artist’s touch, offering a unique texture and finish that enhances the overall aesthetic of the painting. It is this quality, this ability to elevate the artist’s work, that has made Claessens Belgian Linen Canvas a beloved choice for fine artists around the world. Whether used by a contemporary painter or a master recreating the techniques of the old masters, Claessens' canvas serves as a bridge between the past and the present, allowing artists to connect with centuries of artistic tradition while pushing the boundaries of their creative expression.
A Canvas of Boundless Expression — The Diverse Surfaces of Claessens Linen
The essence of Claessens Belgian Linen Canvas lies in its remarkable diversity, where no two canvases are the same. Each piece is uniquely crafted to serve the varied needs of artists across a spectrum of mediums and styles. The canvases are not uniform; they represent a palette of textures and finishes that cater to every artist’s creative vision. Whether an artist seeks a delicate surface for fine details or a robust one to support expressive strokes, Claessens offers a choice for every intention.
Artists often begin their selection process by considering the nature of their work. Each weave and priming method affects how paint behaves on the surface. For artists focused on intricate details, such as in portraiture, the finer linens offer a smooth, almost ethereal texture. The subtle weave of these surfaces ensures that pigments blend seamlessly into each other, allowing for a delicate transition of tones, particularly in the rendering of light on skin or fabric. This smoothness enables the artist to layer pigments gradually, creating a soft, glowing effect that adds depth and realism to the artwork. In contrast, heavier linen weaves, with their more pronounced texture, are ideal for creating more dynamic works, such as landscapes or abstract pieces, where bold, visible brushstrokes can be celebrated. The thicker fabric provides a tactile surface that enhances the artist's brushwork, allowing for impasto techniques or dramatic knife work that add a sense of energy and movement to the piece.
The Influence of Priming and Surface Choice on Artistic Expression
What sets Claessens apart is the way their canvases interact with paint. The oil-primed canvases, known for their luxurious finish and soft, buttery texture, are especially favored by traditionalists. Oil painting is a medium that thrives on a delicate dialogue between the paint and the surface it resides on, and Claessens’ oil-primed linens create a perfect marriage between pigment and canvas. The absorbency of the oil primer allows oil paints to merge with the fabric, resulting in rich textures and layers that deepen with time. This method of priming creates a surface that accepts the oils naturally, allowing each stroke to sink in slightly, thereby achieving an organic blending of color and texture that becomes a signature feature of classical oil paintings.
On the other hand, Claessens also offers a versatile, universal primer that accommodates both oil and acrylic paints. For artists who work across different media, the universal-primed canvas is an ideal choice. This surface provides a slightly rougher texture that is perfect for acrylics, which require a firmer foundation to maintain their vibrant colors. Yet, it retains enough smoothness for oil paints to glide effortlessly across its surface. The duality of this canvas allows for seamless transitions between mediums, offering the flexibility to experiment with both traditional oil painting and modern acrylic techniques. This adaptability makes it a top choice for artists who wish to explore multiple artistic avenues within a single work of art.
Textural Dialogues — The Collaboration Between Artist and Canvas
At its heart, a Claessens canvas is more than just a passive support; it is a collaborator in the creative process. The surface itself plays a role in shaping the final piece, influencing the texture, depth, and overall expression of the work. The choice of ground color whether a bright white, a soft grey, or a warm ochre, impacts the tonal foundation of the painting, offering the artist a spectrum of possibilities from which to build. The color of the ground acts as a silent partner in the painting process, subtly affecting the perception of the pigments applied on top. This becomes particularly significant when working with layers of color, where the underpainting can affect the transparency and vibrancy of subsequent applications.
Heavier linen weaves, such as those offered by Claessens, are particularly effective for certain artistic genres that demand a more expressive, physical approach to painting. The rougher texture of these canvases allows for more aggressive techniques such as impasto or thick applications of paint. This creates an immediate, almost visceral interaction between the artist’s hand and the surface. The grain of the fabric becomes visible within the artwork, adding an extra layer of dimension to the piece, as if the surface itself is part of the art’s story. For abstract expressionists, this dynamic exchange between medium and substrate enhances the overall effect of their work, infusing the piece with a tangible energy that is impossible to achieve with smoother surfaces.
Ultimately, the beauty of working with Claessens Belgian Linen Canvas lies in the material’s ability to harmonize with the artist’s creative expression. Whether the artist desires the subtlety of fine linens for a delicate portrait or the boldness of coarse textures for an impassioned landscape, the canvas adapts to their vision. This flexibility allows artists to push boundaries, blending traditional and modern techniques in a seamless flow of creative exploration. Claessens’ commitment to high-quality linen, combined with their versatile priming options, ensures that every artist has the perfect foundation for their masterpiece, whether it’s a quiet study in light or a bold explosion of color and texture.
In choosing Claessens Belgian Linen Canvas, artists are not simply selecting a surface; they are embracing a partner in their creative journey, one that offers a unique combination of durability, texture, and visual depth. This canvas allows the artist’s work to evolve, grow, and breathe, becoming more than just a painting but a dialogue between material, technique, and emotion. With Claessens, every brushstroke is amplified, every color becomes more vivid, and every artistic vision is brought to life in ways that only a high-quality canvas can offer.
The Legacy of Claessens Belgian Linen Canvas: An Artist’s Trusted Companion
Selecting a Claessens Belgian Linen Canvas is an unequivocal affirmation of commitment and an artist’s devotion to their craft, and an acknowledgment of the power that tradition, durability, and heritage can impart to their work. Beyond merely serving as a surface for paint, Claessens' canvas represents a dynamic and unwavering partnership between artist and material, one that transcends time. It is not simply a tool but a collaborator, a companion that has journeyed with artists for over a century, bearing the wisdom of generations.
What distinguishes Claessens from the multitude of available options is its profound connection to the heart of art-making. In each roll of canvas lies a tangible link to a tradition steeped in centuries of craftsmanship. Artists, whether they are seasoned masters or enthusiastic novices, understand that choosing this particular canvas is to align oneself with a legacy. The rich texture, strength, and versatility of the linen provide an unmatched tactile experience, allowing the artist to feel an intimate relationship with their medium. It is this connection between hand, brush, and the natural fibers that elevates the painting process, enabling the artist to infuse every stroke with a depth and sincerity that resonates beyond the surface.
Moreover, Claessens Belgian Linen Canvas doesn’t just endure; it evolves with time. Unlike synthetic alternatives or mass-produced canvases that may deteriorate over the years, linen possesses an inherent strength and resilience that enhances with age. The surface, far from losing its vibrancy, becomes more seasoned and refined as it witnesses the unfolding of artistic expression. For museums, collectors, and institutions, this endurance ensures that masterpieces created on Claessens' linen not only stand the test of time but also grow in stature, maintaining their rich colors and intricate details for generations. What Claessens offers is not just a material but a timeless vessel for preserving the legacy of an artist’s vision.
A Surprising Journey from Flax Fields to Canvas Masterpieces
The transformative journey of flax into a Claessens canvas is akin to an alchemical process—one that begins in the fertile fields of West Flanders, where flax plants sway in the breeze, nourished by the unique soils and temperate climate that have long been associated with producing some of the finest fibers in the world. The flax plant, a symbol of strength and elegance, is carefully harvested and subjected to a precise and meticulous process known as retting. This process, wherein the stalks are immersed in water, is essential for loosening the fibers from the woody core, ensuring that only the purest fibers remain for spinning.
Once the flax fibers are extracted, they are spun into threads of exceptional strength and length. These threads are then woven into a fabric that is neither too tight nor too loose, achieving the perfect balance necessary for creating a robust yet responsive canvas. The attention to detail in this weaving process is critical. Whether the artist seeks a fine, smooth texture for delicate portraiture or a coarser weave for dramatic landscape work, the result is a fabric that both invites and challenges the artist’s hand. The resulting canvas is more than just a surface—it becomes an essential component of the artist’s creative journey, providing both the flexibility and durability required to realize their artistic ambitions.
The Claessens commitment to quality goes beyond the weaving stage. Every roll of canvas undergoes a rigorous inspection to ensure that it meets the highest standards of craftsmanship. The linen is primed using traditional hand-applied methods, which further enrich the material, allowing it to interact harmoniously with a variety of paint mediums, from oils and acrylics to watercolors and gouache. This dedication to traditional techniques is what makes Claessens stand out in a crowded market. It is the painstaking effort to preserve the essence of the flax fiber, to harness its qualities, and to transform it into a perfect canvas for creativity.
The Artistic Dialogue with Claessens Linen: Creating Timeless Masterpieces
For an artist, the decision to work with Claessens Belgian Linen Canvas is akin to entering into an enduring dialogue with their medium. The act of painting on linen is not just about applying color to a surface but about a partnership that evolves throughout the creative process. Unlike synthetic canvases that may feel foreign or inert, Claessens' linen provides a tactile response that invites interaction. It is a material that lives and breathes alongside the artist, providing feedback with every brushstroke.
The texture of the linen, whether finely woven for detailed work or coarser for expressive strokes, plays a critical role in how the paint behaves on the surface. When oil paints are applied to the smooth surface, they flow and blend seamlessly, creating luminous layers of color. In contrast, the coarser surfaces allow the artist to explore more textured applications, embracing the brushstrokes and impasto techniques that add drama and dimension to the work. This versatility ensures that Claessens's canvas is not limited to a particular style or approach, but instead becomes a canvas for limitless creative exploration.
For collectors and galleries, the enduring value of artworks created on Claessens linen is immeasurable. Not only does the canvas provide a perfect backdrop for the artist’s vision, but it also ensures that these creations will endure the rigors of time. The texture, durability, and organic beauty of the canvas enhance the artistic experience, making it a fitting vessel for works that will be appreciated for centuries. From classical masterpieces to contemporary pieces, the artists who choose Claessens understand that they are working with a material that is capable of carrying their vision into the future, just as it has done for generations of great artists before them.
In essence, working with Claessens Belgian Linen Canvas is a journey that transforms the artist’s vision into an enduring legacy. It is not merely a surface but an extension of the artist’s intent, providing a stable, resilient, and dynamic foundation that responds to every nuance of the creative process. From the first sketch to the final varnish, the canvas holds the artist’s story, becoming a living testament to the alchemy of art. Through the centuries-old tradition of Claessens, the legacy of linen as the ultimate artistic material continues to endure, fostering the creation of masterpieces that will outlast their makers and inspire generations to come.
The choice to paint on Claessens linen is more than just a technical decision; it is a declaration of respect for craftsmanship, tradition, and the timeless pursuit of artistic excellence. Whether a seasoned professional or an aspiring artist, those who work with Claessens Belgian Linen Canvas do so knowing they are joining an extraordinary lineage of creators, each of whom has left their mark on the canvas of history. As the canvas is transformed by the artist’s brush, it, in turn, transforms the artist, forging an unbreakable connection to a tradition that continues to shape the future of art itself.
