Marien Van Mechelen

I depict simple images. An everyday moment, lifted from its surroundings for a second.

But behind every single moment in the present lies a complex history.

These layers are often built quite literally. The choice of bearer, structures and paint material is therefore very important.

It are mainly people and their often incredibly complicated emotional world that interest me.

But our Western culture shies away from big dramatics and strives to control emotions.

In my art as well are feelings and tensions hidden behind a glance, a pose, a choice of colours.

* Bachelor Graphic Design and Illustration, 1976 – 1978
Saint Lucas pavilion, Antwerp

* Master Graphic and Illustrative Art, 1978 – 1980
The Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Antwerp

* Oil painting, 2002 – 2007
St Lucas Academy of Art, Kapellen

* Figure drawing, 2007 – 2008
St Lucas Academy of Art, Kapellen