Kris Coolens

The paintings are always very figurative in which the focus is often on the face. However, these are not portraits as such. When I portray something, it is their understated and introspective posture, and they reflect my own introspective quest.
The realization that identity is really just a story. It doesn't lead me to answers about who I am, but what I am. My body is an energetic vessel that I experience in my consciousness, not the other way around. We were never taught to look from that point of view. In an analytically programmed mind, this does not seem rational. The thinking exercise starts very intuitively at first, but gradually seeps back in rationally.
The titles that some works are given can contribute to the expression of these thoughts, but I prefer not to restrict the freedom to experience the paintings too much.
Painting, for me personally, foremost arises from an undeniable necessity and inexplicable urge. I'm not doing this as a conscious choice

2023 | Group show at KMSKA Museum, Antwerp (BE)
2022 | Group exhibition Kunstoevers, Aalst (BE)
2020 | Group exhibition at Gallery Ysebaert, Sint-Martens-Latem (BE)
2018 | Solo show at Apastorie event in Herzele (BE)
2018 | Group exhibition, 'Retrace With Drawing' - Gallery Aile, Seoul (SK)
2017 | Winter groupshow, Down To Art Gallery, Ghent (BE)
2017 | Art Fair Luxemburg
2017 | Solo exhibition - ENTR, Ghent (BE)
2017 | Group exhibition/ Art Contest, A Part Apart, Ghent (BE)
2016 | Daegu Art Fair at EXCO in Daegu, South Korea
2016 | Art Busan 2016, International art fair, South Korea
2016 | Group exhibition, Kunst-ID #2, Sint-Lievens-Houtem, (BE)
2015 | Solo exhibition "Facing The Window", Gallery Aile, Seoul, South Korea
2015 | Group exhibition, Kunst @ Rode Kruis, Campus TIO 3, Ronse, (BE)
2015 | "Naked Promise" collection, Saatchi online

COLLECTIONS
°Art works in private collections in Belgium, London, Norway, Germany, France, USA, Canada, South Korea, Australia, South Africa
°Artwork purchased and permanently exhibited by the City Council of Erpe-Mere, Belgium (2009)

PRIZES & AWARDS
° 2023| Price of the museum jury, National Expo, KSMKA, Antwerp
° 2017 | Public Award, A Part Apart, Ghent, Belgium
° 2016 | Prize of the ...