Philippe Vandenberg Belgium, 1959-2009

Philippe Vandenberg (1952-2009) was a Belgian artist whose multidisciplinary practice spanned painting, drawing, and writing. His work explored themes of vulnerability, violence, and spirituality, often incorporating motifs from mythology, religion, and political iconography. Vandenberg's career evolved through distinct phases-from Neo-expressionist figuration to monochromatic abstraction and word paintings-showcasing his relentless experimentation with form and meaning. Major milestones include his 1986 solo exhibition in New York, acquisitions by institutions such as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and his landmark retrospective at MUHKA in Antwerp in 1999. Throughout his life, Vandenberg confronted the dualities of creation and destruction, leaving behind an uncompromising body of work that continues to resonate internationally.