JULIEN MEERT
Name: Julien Meert
Age: 39
Birthplace: Brussels, Belgium
Home: Brussels
Disciplines: Painting, drawing, video and music
Celestial blues, 2022
What’s usually the starting point of your practice, and when does your work feel complete?
Generally, a new work first starts with the desire of experimenting with a new medium, a new tool, or a new range of colors. It is finished when I feel at peace with it, when I can look at it without anything disturbing me.
What are you obsessed with?
I am obsessed with the idea of us living in the space in the middle of the universe, with the idea of infinity and strangeness.
How does it come into your work?
These obsessions are manifested in my work by a repertoire of (very) recurrent forms that appear in my paintings. It can be a certain type of character, an abstract motif, or a range of colors. This inventory is constantly enriched by new elements, allowing me to bring together several ‘times’ of my practice.
What are the interactions that you seek between your work and the viewer?
Some pieces of art I have seen in my life made me feel less lonely. I hope I can make some people feel the same way about my work.
What is your commitment, both artistically and personally?
Never give in to comfort. Keep fighting against my prejudices.
Who are some of the artists that have been the biggest influence on you?
Not in order: Blade TC5, Walter Swennen, Charline von Heyl, Maria Lassnig, the Chicago Imagists, and so many more.
Where is the beauty for you today?
In everything that resists.