Michel Van De Velde 'marine Metamorphosis' Realistic And Fantastic Painting, Oil On Canvas 1993

Large painting mixing mysticism and realism, on a blue background evoking the depths of the sea. It illustrates the metamorphosis of a man into a shell, probably a mussel. The face, like a mask, is transformed while the shoulder gradually freezes to adopt the appearance of a shell, revealing only a few elements of the body, barely realistic. Remarkable for its technique and quality, this work brings the painter's imagination to life in a canvas imbued with fantasy. This work was presented in 1993 at the Galerie Liehrmann in Liège, alongside creations by two other artists, De Vos and Le Moult. This painting, the centerpiece of the exhibition, appeared on the official poster of the event (see images). Michel Van de Velde is known for his mystical work, a mixture of people and the animal world. A strong expression where the intrigues of the world are rendered in an exciting way, a very beautiful work, deeply moving. The artist presents himself as a master of realism, with an extraordinary technical talent. He makes his subjects hover on the edge of metamorphosis, giving the impression of attending a mythical moment. Biography: VAN DE VELDE, Michel (Ixelles, 1945) Painter. Trained at the Academy of Saint-Josse-ten-Node. Member of the "Gryday Artists Group". Exhibitions: - Galerie Liehrmann in Liège exhibits the artists M. Van de Velde, De Vos and Le Moult in 1993. - Galerie Beukenhof Alliances in Kluisbergen in 2013. - Galerie Christine Colon, Salon de dessin contemporain, Group Exhibition in 2018 - Galerie Christine Colon in Liège group exhibition: Michel Van De Velde & Lieven Demunter in 2018. - Galerie Christine Colon in Liège exhibits Michel Van De Velde, Lieven Demunter in 2021. - Galerie Beukenhof Phoenix Art Gallery in Kluisbergen in 2024. Michel Van de Velde has also been exhibited with Armin Göhringer. Exhibited large enigmatic figures during the fall of 2001. In the press: - "Each painting is a portrait: faced with the harsh reality of life, he places masks, skulls, cute little animals, sexual or cosmic challenges in his works". - "He transforms reality into a world where men, animals and things take other forms, forms in which only a tiny part of reality is discernible, but which are inspired by powerful imagination and refined technique."