Shock Value

Christian Rex van Minnen brings trashy tattoos to the fine-art world

- Devon Preston

As human beings, there’s something deep down inside that prevents us from looking away from scenes of horror and disaster. Whether it be a car accident on the highway or a torture porn slasher flick, something in our minds is drawn to witnessing atrocities. And it’s this peculiar lust for gore that makes the work of oil painter Christian Rex van Minnen so seductive. His provocative style evokes emotions of disgust and curiosity simultaneously, a juxtaposition he’s perfected over the last decade. We sat down with the Rhode Island native to learn how he developed his graphic approach and to uncover his growing fascination with ignorant style tattooing.

How did your upbringing inspire you to pursue a career as a painter? I was raised to value the pursuit of knowledge of self, so that I can be of greater service to others. Drawing and painting have always been the means that facilitate those processes. That still very much informs what I do. I absolutely love painting.