ABOUT JAN

As a 29-year-old artist from Belgium, I am driven by a passion for charcoal. From a young age, my love for drawing manifested in every surface I could find, from papers to magazines. Though my artistic pursuits disappeared during my teenage years, it wasn't until a period of personal turmoil in 2016 that I rediscovered my passion for drawing with black pens. Eventually, I transitioned to charcoal, and have never looked back. In 2018, I enrolled in the 7-year drawing program at the Kunstacademie in Halle, further honing this craft.
My work is defined by a mysterious, chiaroscuro style. I often depict abandoned spaces and landscapes, as well as mysterious portraits, each one a window into a world of discovery. My process begins with capturing a moment that resonates with me, then bringing that image to life through a blend of realism and surrealism, sometimes drawing inspiration from my dreams.
Central to my art is the interplay between light and darkness. I am captivated by the way a single beam of light can transform a dark image, and I strive to capture that mesmerizing effect by utilizing the white of the paper itself. Charcoal is my medium of choice, as it allows me to tap into my innermost creative impulses. My works range in size from small A4 sketches to large-scale pieces.
In my art, I explore themes of emptiness, the absurdity of life, and the meaning of existence. I am drawn to the concept of loneliness and the search for personal significance in a world that can often seem consumed by the rat race. I find beauty in abandoned and desolate places, and I believe that even in the absence of meaning, there is still something special to be found. Through my art, I hope to show this unique kind of beauty.
Feel free to contact me if you are interested in an artwork. Or if you want to know more regarding anything. I am also accepting assignments.
EXHIBITIONS
IN BETWEEN ART (duo show) | 8000 - Brugge | October - November 2022 |
Rodeart / Kunstkring 10x10 | 1640 - Sint-Genesius-Rode | September 2022 |
Kunst in het Dorp | 1674 - Bellingen | September 2021 |
Alizarine (solo show) | 1500 - Halle | May 2021 |
CC 't Vondel | 1500 - Halle | February 2021 |
PAND356 | 1500 - Halle | July 2019 |
RodeYoungArt | 1640 - Sint-Genesius-Rode | May 2019 |
RodeYoungArt | 1640 - Sint-Genesius-Rode | March 2017 |

Jan Boex