Guy Van Bossche, born in 1952 in Mortsel, Belgium, is a celebrated Belgian painter known for his understated style and muted color palette. His work is often inspired by existing visual materials, with a distinct influence from photography visible in his use of framing and cropping.
Since the mid-1970s, Van Bossche has developed a unique form of visual expression that reflects the abundance of mediated images in modern society, challenging conventional interpretations. His paintings often focus on details of familiar settings, such as interiors, using unconventional perspectives to evoke feelings of estrangement and subtle discomfort.
Van Bossche's art delves deeply into the human condition, addressing themes such as violence, censorship, power, freedom, and identity. He describes his work as a continuous exploration of "the qualities of discomfort." Photography remains a strong influence in his process, as he transforms three-dimensional realities into flat, painterly compositions, freeing his art from the confines of strict representation.
Throughout his career, Van Bossche has exhibited extensively, including solo shows at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Antwerp and the Centro de Arte in Salamanca. His works are part of renowned collections, including the S.M.A.K. in Ghent, the M HKA in Antwerp, and the MU.ZEE in Ostend.
SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2023
Bombit, Mulier Mulier Gallery, Knokke, Belgium
Bombit Storage, Mulier Mulier Gallery, Brussels, Belgium
2020
Underground No Floor, Tick Tack, Antwerp, Belgium
2018
Waiting Internship, Slag Gallery, New York, USA
2017
Shameless, Mulier Mulier Gallery, Knokke, Belgium
2015
Unterseeboot Über Malermeister, CC Mechelen/De Garage, Mechelen, Belgium
The Collector, Mulier Mulier Gallery, Knokke, Belgium
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2024
Bow A Head, curated by Tamara Beheydt & Guy Van Bossche, Annie Gentils Gallery, Antwerp, Belgium & TARMAC Meerhout, Belgium
2023
Tageldimde/Middlegate, Curated by Philippe Van Cauteren and Pierre Muyle, Cultuurcentrum de Werft, Geel, Belgium
2022
Biënnale Van De Schilderkunst, Curated by Vaast Colson, Roger Raveel Museum, Machelen-aan-de-Leie, Belgium
Sous les pavés la plage, curated by Wladyslaw Barion, Intervention by Vaast Colson, Mulier Mulier Gallery, Knokke, Belgium
2019
Salon de Peinture, curated by Lode Geens & Liliane Dewachter, Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp (M HKA), Antwerp, Belgium