"In Good Company" with Béatrice GRAAS

At the beginning of August, by the grace of chance that always does things so well, an unexpected event allowed to strengthen the collaboration that binds the artist. BEATRICE GRAAS and the brand of Art-à-Porter ARTIST.

 

It was unexpected to be just in such a good company the time for a stop at Studio BF on the way to her vacation, between her native Belgium and the South of France. After a first meeting in her new workshop in Liège, the time for exchange extended over a glass of Burgundy (hospitality requires it!) to talk about her art and the art of fashion. She follows with interest the evolution of Belgian designers and others, attracted by all the sources of creations that spark her own. Curious about the idea of inspiring a new collection at ARTIST, she entrusted 3 of her works, driven by an optimistic conviction, excited by the unusual approach.

 

 

Grateful for this unexpected participation, she is eagerly awaiting the results of this collective challenge. Surprised by the outcome of the well-crafted garments, intrigued by the fun staging, she welcomes with a smile the videos, the images from the shooting. in good company ».

She finds her contagious energy there.ARTIST to restore it in his own way.

 Together, they tackle mischief. The series of 3 canvases of BEATRICE GRAAS depicts the mischief and liveliness of man's best friend. The basset hound reminds us of his famous master, the equally endearing Inspector Columbo. With the Jack Russells, playmates and noise-makers, the entire work vibrates under the plexiglass, the whole collection strengthens the bonds of affectionate friendship, re-enchanting the virtues of lightness and innocence.

 

The clothing brand offers a wardrobe featuring these 3 playful and absolutely adorable dogs. Their quirky presence covers the fabrics in cheerful prints. The language and characteristic movements of the painter-artist, remastered by the conceptual label, are expressed in the relief of a jacquard, the fluidity of a material, the originality of a button, and the delicacy of a detail.

 

Designed to celebrate the joy of living, this wardrobe will accompany all lovers of color and the figurative. You slip it on as if you were going to walk your beloved dog, the one who unconditionally celebrates you. The one who tilts its head, irresistible when it is surprised to find its twin on your green top! Or to see itself in the mirror of your blue cardigan, wriggling and flattered! Mischievous companions to adopt and cuddle, inseparable from our actions as soon as we wear a model from the canine theme. In the dominant brown, caught in the act of a frantic run, ears in the wind. ARTIST prove that a dog's life can be happy!

 

At the center of this fanciful decline, ARTIST combined a jacket/pants set, with a faux solid textured pattern, in a deep black contrasted with matte and shiny finishes, giving it a nonchalant chic that allows for all associations with other vibrant pieces of humor and winks.

Between the painted canvas and the print engraved on plexiglass, BÉATRICE GRAAS captures the fragile moment, paints the freshness of childhood, engraves the things of life. She uses dense colors, graffiti, and integrations of large-format photos that she reinterprets. She skillfully and boldly masters the techniques and materials, thus amalgamating engraving, painting, photography, collage, and writing.

In a word, she poetizes disobedience, freeing the fleeting thoughts of her characters who are so sympathetic because they are disconcerting.

Beneath the playful appearance of his paintings often lies a deeper reflection on the world in unstable balance.

The strong and colorful collection "in good company" takes up all the stylistic codes of the duo ARTIST who likes to surprise, like the artist BÉATRICE GRAAS, with whom they sign a tender and playful story.

"His works have been exhibited nationally in Belgium, as well as in Serbia, Japan, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, France, Luxembourg, and Canada. And with many collectors in Europe, Asia, and North America."

 

2024-2025

Biennale Mobil’Art Liège

Bo Galerie Clt-Ferrand (F), permanently, www.galerie-bo.com

 

In preparation in his new workshop, subjects in gestation, material, encaustic painting... Coming soon, proposal for engraving and painting workshops, accommodation for artist residencies.

 

2023

Galerie Ds Vence (F) and Brussels (B): solo and group exhibitions, www.louisedsgalerie.com

The 20th anniversary of the Art N’Pepper Spa gallery (B), www.artnpepper.com

Bo Gallery Clt-Ferrand,

Collective retrospective La Châtaigneraie Walloon Center of Contemporary Art, near Liège (B)

 

 

2022

Bo Gallery Clt-Ferrand (F)

International Contemporary Art Fair Luxembourg

Gallery Ds Vence (F)

Fresh Art Gallery Art N'Pepper Sart Lez Spa (B)

Biennale Mobil'Art (Liège)

 

Selected at the Paris Art Biennale in 2021 and 2019

 

Exhibited in the permanent collection of the Bonnefanten Museum in Maastricht, Netherlands., www.bonnefanten.nl

Member of the Impression group, www.cultureplus.be

 

info@beatricegraas.be – www.beatricegraas.be

 

Graduated in Visual Arts, Saint Luc Institute of Fine Arts, Liège, 1987

Graduated in Artistic Printing Techniques, Academy of Fine Arts, Verviers, 2001

Graduated in Graphic Design, Saint Luc Institute of Fine Arts, Liège, 2021