Under the plexiglass, the poetry of Béatrice GRAAS

Thanks to her still intact childlike spirit, Béatrice GRAAS creates sensitive and colorful works.

 

ARTIST went all the way to Liège in Belgium to her brand new studio to choose a composition of 3 amazing paintings. From August 23 to September 1^st, 2024, an unpredictable collection will immerse you in the world of a painter, plastic artist, draftsman, engraver who joyfully puts her beautiful profession at the service of her art.

 

A little exciting countdown to pique your curiosity, bewildering outfits to discover, to find yourself frankly "In good company"!

 

 Béatrice Graas and ARTIST have, so to speak, achieved a masterstroke! Based on the artist's triptych, a collection in 3 acts unfolds very figurative shapes and prints. On the 3 dominant color bases of each vignette, the atmospheres, contrasts, and the initially painted words have been faithfully reproduced on the improbable and intensely vibrant textiles.

 

Characters, animals, imaginary or familiar, inhabit most of the evocative paintings of spontaneity, gentle freedom, youthful carefreeness… ARTIST seized the opportunity and became enthusiastic about this animal art. Brigitte and François adopted without hesitation 3 companions, 3 absolutely adorable dogs. Irresistible, playful, they jump up to the sky, the word, repeated on the canvas in a loop, accompanies their jumps.

 

"Each of these pieces reads like a short story. One turns the pages of a life notebook illustrated with unexpected word battles, punctuated by graffiti and images, with collages scattered against a crafted background."

 

It exudes a positive energy. If a knowing wink were to act, one could almost hear the laughter of children, the purring of the cat, the snapping of the jump rope, the panting of the dog chasing the ball...

 

"Inspired by his own memories, by scenes from everyday life captured intentionally, the artist transcribes here lightness, there insolence... But beneath the playful appearance, his painting conceals a deeper reflection and a subtle critique of contemporary society. Casually, under humorous traits, his message is nonetheless premeditated and highlights his concerns for the living and the environment. Innocence to convey seriousness."

The artistic collaboration of Studio BF and Béatrice GRAAS takes the bold path of a creative and astonishing encounter.

These playful snapshots have captivated ARTIST with their symphony of rich hues, cheerful vibrations infused with freshness.

Very demanding in this area, Beatrice G. "observe the colors, balance their affinity. Stubbornly, she manages to make them dance."

 

 

To the joy of creating a figurative painting, it was necessary to add a layer, to push the research further. Indeed, that was not enough! She needed to master, with ease and perhaps audacity, the techniques and materials. Her artistic work today combines relief engraving, painting, photography, collage, and writing.

 

"... I develop my projects by positioning my subjects. I paint using a mixed technique of acrylic, collage, and wash materials." I mix brush strokes and paintbrushes with the precision of the chisel cutting through the lino. "I have a fondness for linocut. After printing, I scan my engraving. In the final step, thanks to my knowledge of graphic design, I work on this print and mold it as I wish. I juxtapose the photo of the canvas with the result of this print using Photoshop. When I am satisfied with the result, I have it printed on plexiglass which enhances a relief effect. I have the whole thing framed to the size of my painting..." B.G.

 

In preparation in his new workshop, subjects in gestation, material, encaustic painting... Many projects will be born in 2025 including the proposal for engraving and painting workshops, accommodation for artist residencies.

 

In 2024 :

Liège Printmaking Triennial (B) www.centredelagravure.be

Biennale Mobil’Art Liège

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

 

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)

 

"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."

 

Since 2012, his paintings have been exhibited in the permanent collection of the Bonnefanten Museum in Maastricht, the Netherlands., www.bonnefanten.nl

Since 2004, the Belgian artist has been a member of the group Impression, 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