Van der Ploeg's paintings are characterized by their use of bold geometric shapes and patterns in vibrant, singular color arrangements, which are informed by a diverse array of art historical sources ranging from Italian Renaissance architecture to Maori weaving to
Islamic tile design.
Pupil's start by
designing their own figures and decorating them with a specific pattern, leading onto
tile designs (
islamic) to produce the end result of collagraphing.
By the mid-1970s, Zakanitch had become a key figure in the Pattern and Decoration movement, which drew inspiration from the
designs found in Byzantine mosaics,
Islamic tiles, Iranian carpets and, closer to home, handiwork — tatting, embroidery, quilting — typically done by women.