Eric Rugers
Eric Rugers’ creative process is profoundly influenced by his personal experiences. His artwork portrays a broad spectrum of emotions, allowing viewers various entry points into their imagination
Eric’s art emerges from the intersection of painting and photography, where close-ups and details transform his method into abstract, vivid images. His use of colour expresses deep emotions, while the forms tell unique stories, all aimed at sparking thought and imagination.
Each image invites the viewer to dive in and discover clarity through reflection. While some works offer strength, others reveal vulnerability or insight, they all share the ability to inspire a moment of pause—an opportunity to observe and find a quiet horizon amidst the rhythms of daily life.
In Figure 8 IV, a sense of inner strength emerges, akin to energy drawn from the earth’s core or the roots of a tree. Despite the active atmosphere of vibrant reds, the piece is counterbalanced by blue and white elements. It has the power to transform a space into a serene environment, evoking the feeling of sitting in front of a fire under a dark blue sky dotted with shimmering stars. Conversely, Golgotha III presents an atmosphere that, while still grounded in strength, conveys a more dynamic force reminiscent of the eruption and flow of magma—fluid and ever-changing.
The final piece in the series, Orbital I, introduces a sense of lightness, blending the freedom of the stars with the playful essence of a day at the beach. This artwork invites viewers to reconnect with the wideopen imagination of childhood, much like jumping into water and witnessing sunlight shimmer through the waves. It infuses the room with sunlight and a refreshing breeze of salty air.
Eric’s paintings mirror the atmospheric landscapes of William Turner, transporting viewers into scenes of soft sunsets over urban environments or foggy mornings in the forest. In Turner’s work, light plays a crucial role in evoking emotion, widening the viewer’s perception of possibilities. This interplay of light and colour is also present in Eric’s images. Though their artistic approaches differ, both artists create emotional connections through their work, weaving a tapestry of information and imagination that resonates with shared human experiences.
Born in 1970 in Melbourne, Eric Rugers is an abstract artist with over 30 years of experience in illustration and graphic design. In 2022, he shifted his focus to fine art, blending traditional painting techniques with digital photography. He was named a finalist by the Museum of Avant-garde (CH) in 2024. Currently based in the Netherlands, he offers a selection of limited edition prints.
Eric Rugers is the Silver Artist of the ArtAscent “Abstraction” call for artists. To see the full body of work and profile, get a copy of the 2025 ArtAscent Art & Literature Journal “Abstraction” issue.
