Francis Henri (Vanhee)
Francis Henri Vanhee is a Belgian visual artist. While studying photography at KASK Ghent, Vanhee started combining the art of photography and painting. In his work, Vanhee often uses acrylic paint, varnish, wax, plastic and clay, thus showing a peculiar, overlayed way to face and depict reality.
Francis’ (°1995, Eernegem) life reads like the photography process: bright flashes, then darkness, its development and whether to retouch and reflect. In the middle of my future and past is the latest reflection of everything that was but also has yet to come. Above all, let us smash it rather than disguise it.
Read moreThe barbs are what make the world interesting and Francis translates that with lifelike artworks, taken from life without retouching the authenticity. Like a mirror without reflection, they show the gruesome shadow of the sun.
At first glance, his works are suspiciously flat. Behind this, however, lies an unprecedented, and sometimes unsettling, depth. One feels more depression on antidepressants than spontaneous euphoria which creates aversion for some, while others feel spurred on to look deeper at the ugliness of the world and society, and discover the beauty when it all falls into place. Understanding that this – however ugly and bleak – is truly beautiful, brings intrinsic peace that falls like a warm blanket over this exhibition.
With his latest solo exhibition, Francis showed his personal pivotal moment. The door of the past is always open while he rings the bell of the future, not knowing who or what will open it. It is precisely this uncomfortable and nerve-wracking unknowing that makes tomorrow’s inspiration.
