About
I love creating settings and scenes in which figures take different positions and shapes. They are subjected to a relentless search for balance. Often within themselves, but also in relation with others and their surroundings. They do not seem to be subjected to the forces of nature. The characters often float away or take off. Other times they are exposed to a very strong and present gravity. They then fall down and seek support from each other, lean against each other to ultimately result in a stilled version of a memory, an alternative reality or a reflection.
I take inspiration from everyday dreams, dance and science. I am particularly drawn to the effects of gravity or the absence of it on the human body.
In general, I work as much as possible straight from my memory, since I want it to be my main advisery. I make prelimenary sketches and try not to look too much to added images. That way I am getting as close as possible to a stilled version of an initial impression.
Michaël De Clercq
– Antwerp, Belgium –

Timeline
2023 /
‘Walking on thin ice’ | Group show, CAS Ruimte, Noordstraat 39, Zottegem
‘Lijf en leden’ – ‘Life and limb’ | Group show, Galerie Morbee, Paulusstraat 7, Knokke-Heist
2022 /
‘Titre: Sans Titre’ | Caroline Van den Eynden & Friends, DMW Gallery, Antwerp
Art Fair The Solo Project, Brussels
2021 /
Solo show, “Lean and Agile”, Kusseneers gallery, Menenstraat 10, Brussels
2020 /
Solo show, “Of Course I Still Love You”, Kusseneers gallery, Menenstraat 10, Brussels
2019 /
‘Meeting POINT Antwerp’, (during Antwerp Art Weekend) with me, Nils Verkaeren, Ermias Kifleyesus and Klaus Verscheure, Hopland 10, Antwerp
Solo show, “My eyes got diverted again”, Kusseneers gallery, Menenstraat 10, Brussels
New Year’s drink and group show, Kusseneers gallery, Menenstraat 10, Brussels
2018 /
“The Human Condition”, Duo-expo with Tom Poelmans, Kusseneers gallery, Menenstraat 10, Brussels
“The Spring Art Salon”, Accessible Art Fair, L’Ancienne Nonciature, Rue des Sablons 7, Brussels
2017 /
Group expo, “You don’t need an app to experience the real thing”, Kusseneers gallery, Menenstraat 10, Brussels
Group expo, Kunst/Werk #4, Galerie Schoots + Van Duyse, Plein Public, Van Craesbeeckstraat 33, Antwerp
2015 /
Solo expo, “Provoking the unreal”, SMK31, St-Michielskaai 31, Antwerp
Group expo, Nema Tog Podruma 5: Gramme Vrijdag, F44(sic), Borgerhout
Solo expo, “Oh Dear”, SMK31, St-Michielskaai, Antwerpen
Group expo, Bamaan, maanis, chamaan, komaan, factor 44, Borgerhout
Group expo, A belgian politician, marion de canniere art space, Antwerp
Solo expo, “The walk of giants”, SMK31, St-Michielskaai 31, Antwerp
Co founded SMK31
2014 /
Group expo, Nema Tog Podruma 4: Papa Bingo, F44(sic), Borgerhout
Group expo, Magma crowded, St-Michielskaai 31, Antwerp
Group expo, Nema Tog Podruma 3: F44(sic), Borgerhout
2013 /
Group expo, Time To Pretend, Diestsestraat 253, Leuven
Group expo, Magma 5, St-Michielskaai 31, Antwerp
Group expo, Magma 4, St-Michielskaai 31, Antwerp
2012 /
Group expo, Magma 3, Hardenvoort, Antwerp
Group expo, Magma 2, Hardenvoort, Antwerp
2011 /
Group expo, Magma 1, Hardenvoort, Antwerp
Co created Magma
2009 /
Price, Prijs voor Schilderkunst Burgemeester Camille Huysmans, Antwerp (selected)
2008 /
Price, Gaverprijs, CC De schakel,Waregem (selected)
Group expo, Expo Cartoon’s – Cinema, Antwerp
Solo expo, 1Expo, Campus Drie Eiken,Wilrijk
2007 /
Award, Horlait-Dapsens Foundations (laureaat)
Graduated in the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Antwerp. Master degree Arts, Painting (Class Fred Bervoets)
1981 /
I am born in Borgerhout, Antwerp