Berlinde De Bruyckere, born in 1964 in Ghent, Belgium, is a renowned contemporary artist celebrated for her deeply evocative sculptures and installations. She continues to live and work in her hometown, drawing inspiration from the rich traditions of Flemish Renaissance art and the haunting beauty of the human condition.
Her artistic journey began in the mid-1980s, with her work delving into profound themes such as love, suffering, resilience, and mortality. Using materials like wax, wood, wool, and horsehide, De Bruyckere creates visceral, body-like forms that evoke both fragility and strength. These sculptures, often described as hauntingly beautiful, speak to the universal experiences of vulnerability and survival.
A pivotal moment in her career came in 2013 when she represented Belgium at the 55th Venice Biennale. Her monumental work, Kreupelhout – Cripplewood, crafted in collaboration with Nobel laureate J.M. Coetzee, captivated audiences with its poetic and poignant commentary on pain and healing.
Her work is housed in prestigious collections worldwide, including The Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo in Turin. Over the years, she has received significant accolades, including an honorary doctorate from Ghent University in 2015, recognizing her contributions to contemporary art.
Berlinde De Bruyckere’s art resonates with a raw, emotional intensity, challenging viewers to confront the beauty and anguish of existence. Her continued exploration of humanity’s deepest emotions solidifies her as a leading figure in the global art world.