Before Philippe Van Gele exhibits at Art Amsterdam in May, we asked him about his art. The Belgian artist is known for his abstract landscapes.
How did you get into art?
I was invented on a New Year’s Eve (2013) at a friend house where everyone had to bring something home-made. As my mother loves to paint I took one of her smallest canvases to paint something abstract on it. I just loved to do it. A few days after I went to the paint shop to buy my first canvas and paint. One year later I was represented by an art gallery in London. I started to paint after my working hours. Since last year I made the step to become a professional artist. Today my works are represented in 5 galleries abroad.
How would you describe your style? What makes your work special?
Cala Goloritzé, Naitauba, Styggevatnet ... Chances are that you don't know these places. Not yet. I will let you experience those idyllic landscapes.
Every painting allows you to travel both the world and your own imagination. You will not immediately know where the artwork brings you to, and that’s its power. So intriguing is the play of strokes and colours. So breathtaking is the landscape. Let it speak to your imagination, because when you do so, you will understand the story it tells.
How do you go about developing your work?
Each work is an experiment of textures. The acrylic paint is worked on at length. Different colours are blended under and over each other, dripped and scratched away again. The end result is a powerful landscape, with alternating hazy and oozing colours. You will never have the same impression twice.
Who or what influences you?
The nature when travelling.
Make us curious. What is planned next?
The next art fair where my work will be exposed is “Art Amsterdam” in May. Come and have a look at the booth of Galerie Helder! In September I have a duo exhibition at Galerie Paul Janssen in St-Tropez, France. Most welcome!
