Upstream Gallery proudly presents a new solo exhibition by Ronald Ophuis. In ANTIDOTE, he shows recent paintings and a selection of previously unseen early works on paper. These pieces share a common focus on life subjects such as the sense of belonging, migration, pain, and solace.

These topics also address current political issues. The relationship between art and politics is versatile. Ophuis seizes the possibilities of art to change the existing political and social reality through disruption. By identifying with the painted characters and their context, his works can provide access to experiences relevant to our moral knowledge and judgment, by blending fiction and truth. Ophuis’ paintings can evoke strong emotional reactions and even lead to moral outrage or sadness about the fates of painted characters. The works in this exhibition demonstrate that he can do this in a way that preserves humanity, serving as an antidote to an often soulless world filled with realistic violence.