'The work of Alexander Koning can be interpreted as a continuous travel report along inner paths and worldly problems. On the one hand, it is a translation of the impressions he gains during his profession as a cameraman in many global disaster areas and on the other hand a reflection on the repercussions existence has on his own consciousness. A search for genuine answers in which he does not hesitate to consider himself, and the society around him, critically.'

'Alexanders' art grabs you by the throat and leaves you gasping for air'

'We first met Alex in Samoreau France many years ago. He immediately struck us as a good and gentle soul. He has this intriguing underlying blend of restless traveler and artistic madness about him. Kind of like Ernest Hemingway meets Hunter S. Thompson. This, together with his kindness makes him very deep and interesting, and we are very thankful that he is our friend.

'Salima La Bien Aimée' was the first piece of art we encountered that Alex made. We were struck by her straight away and started dreaming about being able to have her in our new house. She has a calmness and wisdom within, behind layers of struggle and hardship. There’s a deep inner beauty in her. We think of Salima as our house goddess. She is placed in the house in a way that ensures we always can see her, and that way she always looks after us and keeps us safe.

'Absolutely splendid painting'

The work that I have is very gentle, soft, feminine but yet powerful. Her eyes closed, as if humble. The red emphasizes the feminine power. Also there is a sense of carelessness in it, which I find liberating. When I look at the piece, I feel a lot of love for this life and how you can meet people in many different ways. Also that you will find so many people that are actually mirrors, you will find a piece of yourself in them. It means a lot to me because it reminds me of how we met and how we had a good connection instantly.

Alexander is a very talented man whose life has encountered some crossroads but in a way it might have been the whole reason why. To be alive and cross those roads, and to create what’s coming from within.

'We were moved by the stories Alexander brought home; about the refugee crisis, heroes against oppression and all kinds of injustices. We are moved to see how he incorporated those “stories” into his paintings.'

'An amazing piece of art'

'This painting immediately caught our attention during the solo exhibition 'Strangers I Know'. Love at first sight! We're very attached to it these days. Still touched when we look at it. Thank you, Alexander!

'Definitely one of the most exciting exhibitions we had so far!'

"I have always been charmed by people who practice multiple professions. Alexander Koning is also one of them. He is a (directing) cameraman, editor and visual artist.

His story inspires. During his studies at the art academy he discovered that for him art is a "compressed essence of the perception of its maker". So his mission became: to gain life experience, in the broadest sense of the word.

What was he going to do? He became a cameraman. He made reports "that fed him" raw materials "for his art. All his experiences underlie his art. His work in Adam & Siam reflects on the refugee crisis, and in particular our ever-changing view of it. ”

'Ik heb Alexander 5 jaar geleden leren kennen in de rol van cameraman voor een voorlichtingsfilm voor kanker en werk, waar ik als kankerpatiënt aan meewerkte. Over de drempel stapte een mooi mens; zachtaardig, beschouwend, begaan, professioneel, op mijn gemak stellend. Als een stille, onzichtbare kracht die mij ruimte gaf en mij in beeld bracht. Ik weet nog dat ik onder de indruk was van zijn werk als cameraman in oorlogsgebieden. Zoveel leed zien en vastleggen: is dat wel te doen? En ik maakte zelf de koppeling dat hij dan nu mijn 'microwereld in oorlog' zou vastleggen. Iets met maten: klein en groot. Wat Alexander precies antwoordde, weet ik niet meer; maar zeker nog wel dat hij mij het gevoel gaf dat ik er ook mocht zijn met mijn verhaal. Het werd het begin van een mooie dag met verbinding.

Later begreep ik dat Alexander ook kunst maakte; ik was direct onder de indruk van wat ik zag. Alsof de puzzelstukjes samenvielen van de man die ik had mogen ontmoeten en de kunst die ik zag. Het leed, de hoop, de onzekerheid, het menselijke. Wat zijn ogen hadden gezien, wat zijn lijf had gevoeld: het was te zien op doek. En daarom Moest er gewoon een werk van Alexander aan de muur komen! 'Mounir Le Raisonnable' werd het. Het gezicht, de beeltenis raakt mij nog steeds. Het hangt in de woonkamer en ik kijk er dagelijks naar. Voor mij een diversiteit aan gevoel wat in de persoon te zien is. Zoveel uitersten, zoveel kleuren, zoveel grillen, geen controle, soort overspoeld zijn van. Allemaal 'gevangen' in 1 mens...een van de velen. Mijn gedicht heb ik gemaakt toen ik kanker had: een gedicht wat mij nog steeds raakt en troost bied. Mounir is voor mij het beeld bij het gedicht.'