GUY VANDENBRANDEN, acryl on canvas

Guy Vandenbranden (1926 - 2014) was a renowned Belgian artist, celebrated internationally as a prominent figure in Belgian abstract art. In 1951, Vandenbranden left figuration behind, embracing a lyrical abstract style. His immersion into the Brussels art scene in 1952 led to friendships with influential artists such as Pol Bury, Jo Delahaut and Kurt Lewy, culminating in his inclusion in the artist group 'Art Abstrait' in 1956. From 1954 onwards, Vandenbranden pursued geometric abstraction, with a notable shift towards black and white compositions by 1958, reminiscent of American Hard Edge art. Venturing into relief work in 1961, Vandenbranden explored abstract sculpture, later experimenting with spraying cellulose lacquer directly onto panels to create visual illusions from 1967 onwards.

During the late 1970s, Vandenbranden began receiving monumental commissions, including the creation of a stained glass window for the Beekkant metro station in Brussels in 1982, comprising fifteen interconnected elements with a repetition of colors. Vandenbranden collaborated with Jef Verheyen to establish an avant-garde gallery in Antwerp, aiming to unite like-minded artists. Although the project did not materialize, they later joined forces with Englebert Van Anderlecht to found the New Flemish School. This group of artists, including Paul Van Hoeydonck and Jan Dries, sought to promote their art internationally through exhibitions across Europe.