Painter and poet Fred Michiels (°B 1966, lives and works in Tamines) has fully dedicated himself to abstraction in all its propositions and forms. The artist continually creates new challenges for himself: he paints in order to create spaces of possibility. Visual information from a variety of sources, cultural references and abstract forms alike, intermingle in a cheerful way. His works are instinctive and unplanned; straightforward and free. The abstractions are never limiting, but rich in visual experiences.
For almost 30 years and with a great sense of humour, Michiels has investigated the status of painting. In that endeavour, the early figurative aspects in his painting slowly disappeared, making way for form, colour, and painted matter. Unconventional grounds, such as antique postal items, books, used passports, antique vases and all manner of found objects are drawn into a two- or three-dimensional industriousness of oils, spray-paint, glitter and acrylics. Large and small formats engage in a visual dialogue.
Language has always played an important role in Michiels’ oeuvre; and in recent years, words and images increasingly enhance each other. The works bear humorous titles that refer to an evolving manifestation of ironic self-reflection that echo our extraordinary current times.
The treatment of ground remains important. Rich, painterly textures are patiently applied, layer by layer. They are only removed or overpainted to distil a hidden depth of bright colours. In his new series of ‘white works’ the upper layers accentuate the fragmented, masked-off areas in reflective mother of pearl white or lead white. There are no ugly colours or colour combinations in Fred Michiels’ work: he transforms them into joyful atonal compositions.
For almost 30 years and with a great sense of humour, Michiels has investigated the status of painting. In that endeavour, the early figurative aspects in his painting slowly disappeared, making way for form, colour, and painted matter. Unconventional grounds, such as antique postal items, books, used passports, antique vases and all manner of found objects are drawn into a two- or three-dimensional industriousness of oils, spray-paint, glitter and acrylics. Large and small formats engage in a visual dialogue.
Language has always played an important role in Michiels’ oeuvre; and in recent years, words and images increasingly enhance each other. The works bear humorous titles that refer to an evolving manifestation of ironic self-reflection that echo our extraordinary current times.
The treatment of ground remains important. Rich, painterly textures are patiently applied, layer by layer. They are only removed or overpainted to distil a hidden depth of bright colours. In his new series of ‘white works’ the upper layers accentuate the fragmented, masked-off areas in reflective mother of pearl white or lead white. There are no ugly colours or colour combinations in Fred Michiels’ work: he transforms them into joyful atonal compositions.
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Artworks by Fred Michiels
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Fred Michiels is a painter, performer, poet and maker of abstract music. He studied painting and drawing at Sint-Lucas, Antwerp (1984 - 88) and Cooper Union, New York (1993 – 96). Numerous exhibitions including C.C. Strombeek-Bever, CC De Warande, Turnhout; Ottilia Pribilla and Annie Gentils gallery (Antwerp); 'Fading' curated by Sven van der Stichelen (Brussels); Exit 11 (Gembloux, B); Brakke Grond (Amsterdam, NL); Bikini Wax (Mexico City); Antea (Santa-Cruz de Tenerife); Arthur (Herzele, B); Syndicat of Belgium Painters (Borgloon, B), Positions Art Fair (Berlin), Stormloop, CAS Ostend, Eva Steynen Gallery.
Works of Michiels are in private collections in Belgian and The Netherlands an in institutional collections s.a. Van Abbemuseum, Centre Pompidou Paris. Since 2024 he is ambassador of Walloon Culture in Belgium.
Works of Michiels are in private collections in Belgian and The Netherlands an in institutional collections s.a. Van Abbemuseum, Centre Pompidou Paris. Since 2024 he is ambassador of Walloon Culture in Belgium.
CV
Extensive Curriculum Vitae
EDUCATION
Drawing and Painting, Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Sint Lucas, Antwerp (1984-1988)
Drawing and Painting, The Cooper Union, New York City (1993-1996)
SOLO en DUO SHOWS
2026 : upcomig solo This i where I left myself, Eva Steynen Gallery opening September 17
upcoming solo - Comme un vœu, un éclat, une chance ou un souffle, Musée du petit format, Nisme (B) opening September 11
2024 : Not naked, but undressed, solo show Eva Steynen Gallery
C.A.S. , duo, Ostend
J’apprends encore à tuer le temps – Fondation Pim De Rudder, Assenede
2021: The sun shines when it really rains, Eva Steynen Gallery
2020 : Comme James Bond, José Hubert Galerie d'art des collines, Doische (B)
2018 : This is not a printed book, duo show with J.U.Kubiak, Eva Steynen.Deviation(s), Brussels (B)
HOME, duo show with Henk Delabie, Antwerp (B)
2015: Solo, Too much feels very good (T.M.F.V.G.), Eva Steynen Deviations, Antwerp
2014 : Bozar de l'Abattoir, Tamines (B)
2013 : »Het toeval als figuratief element#3 », De Lakenhal, Herentals (B)
: SecondRoom Anvers (B)
: About (Art)faces & a(r)ttachments, SK-Gallery Tamise (B)
2012 : « Het Toeval als figuratief element », Secret Kitchen Gallery, Temse (B)
: « Het Toeval als figuratief element #2», SK-Gallery Tamise (B)
2011 : “ New contaminated erotics”, Le Progrès, Charleroi (B)
: “a transparent bookpresentation”, Galerie Draulans, Westerlo (B)
: « Spare Parts for an exhibition, Galerie Les Contemporains 0-+, Bruxelles (B)
2010 : « Rien que pour mes yeux », Le Progrès, Charleroi (B)
: « The archive near itself », CEME’xpo, Charleroi (B)
2009 : “Portraits Presque Célèbres”, Maison du Hainaut, Charleroi (B)
: “It’s Okay Not to Pay (attention )”, Ottilia Pribilla galerie, Antwerp (B)
2008 : “Roze Kieke(n)s en Purpere Rijz(t)”, Brakke Grond, Amsterdam (NL)
2007 : “T.E.T.B.” (To Encounter Total Bafflement), Ottilia Pribilla galerie, Antwerp (B)
2006 : “Portable Property”, Cultural Centre Heist-op-den-Berg (B)
: “Portable Property”, galerie NegenPuntNegen, Roeselare (B)
2004 : “Unintentional Popular architecture”, CC Malle, (B)
: “Art in Progress”, De Pinte, (B)
2003 : “De analogie werd te verward”, CC De Warande, Turnhout (B)
2002 : “Extramuros”, Cultureel Centrum Strombeek-Bever (B)
GROUP SHOWS
2026 Still Here, Eva Steynen Gallery
2024 Art on Paper Brussels
Stormloop, Herentals (B)
2023 De Brug, Westerlo (B)
Walking on thin ice, CC Zottegem (B)
10 Years, what a surprise! Eva Steynen Gallery
Luxembourg Art week (LU)
2022 Touch-Lines #3, Eva Steynen Gallery, Antwerp (B)
Stormloop, Herentals (B)
Die Brücke, Kulturzentrum Alter Schlachthof, Eupen (B)
Voix Vives, poetry festival, Sète
2020 Positions Berlin Art Fair, with Eva Steynen Gallery (D)
Yes, we are open! group exhibition, at Eva Steynen.deviation(s), Antwerp (B)
Walk around the park, online group exhibition,Eva Steynen Gallery
The Syndicate of Belgian Painters, CC Borgloon and Sint Truiden (B)
The Syndicate of Belgian Painters, Anouk Vilain Gallery, Diepenbeek (B)
2019: Positions Berlin Art Fair, with Eva Steynen Gallery (D)
Art The Haque, with Eva Steynen Gallery, The Hague (NL)
Shining ground, group exhibition at Eva Steynen Gallery, (B)
2018 : Art Fair BAD, Ghent (B)
extra muros: Eva Steynen.Deviation(s) at Galerie Borssenanger, Chemnitz (D)
HOME, duo show with Henk Delabie, Antwerp (B)
Welcome to the Antropocene, Exit 11, Petit-Leez (B)
2017: BYPASS, groupshow, Eva Steynen Deviations, Antwerp
2016 : Faire & Squaire, groupsshow, Buda-Paardenstallen, Kortrijk
2015 : Workplace Antwerp (B)
: "Er hangt iets in de lucht", 's-Hertogenbosch (NL.)
: Bikini Wax, Mexico City (MEX)
2014 : Global Village with Stichting White Cube, Abcoude, Landshut et Kopenhagen (DK)
2013 : Gratis Toegang (commisaire Ricky Oudermans) , Westmalle (B)
: « Katernen » Van Abbe Musée, Eindhoven (NL)
: Workplace, Antwerp
2012 : « Grenier, Michiels, Fromont/JE est NOUS», galerie Ephémère, Thuin (B)
: « Un geste de couleur », Antwerp ( curator Eva Steynen)
: « Une pièce n’est jamais achevée », Galerie Nicolas Hugo, Paris (FR)
: « I’ve brought my world indoors », Artpoteek, Bruxelles
2011 : Brave New Belgium, The Cube, Bussum (NL)
2010 : « Autour des éditions de l’heure », commissaire Ghislain Olivier, Le Comptoir, Liège
: « ArtistBOOKS, 9th edition », Centre Pompidou, Paris
2009 : “Groupshow”, Ottilia Pribilla Galerie, Antwerp (B)
: “Morcellement de çimaise”, commissaire Jaques Lizène, Mu ka, Antwerp (B)
: « Fading », commissaire Sven Vanderstichelen, Musée d’Ixelles (B) -catalogue
: « les éditions de l’heure », commissaire Ghislain Olivier, Maison de la Culture, Tournai (B)
: « wwwArt in Vivo », Galerie Les Contemporains 0-+, Bruxelles (B)
2008 : « 307 portraits », Tours & Taxis, Bruxelles
“La vache qui ne rit plus”, Espace 72, Dison (B)
2006 : " FW Painting ", De Fabriek, Eindhoven (NL)
“Tempus Arti”, (triennale) Landen (B)
2005: "Project 3000", Leuven (B)
2004: “K.U.R.K”, CC De Warande, Turnhout (B)
2003: “Sugar and Spice”, Annie Gentils-galerie, Antwerp (B)
“Tempus Arti”, (triennale) Landen (B)
“Autour de Vincent”, Zundert (NL)
2002: “Accrochage”, Annie Gentils-galerie, Antwerp (B)
1999: “Academie”, Antwerp (B)
1998: “20 jaar CC De Warande”, Turnhout (B)
Public commands
2008 : Drisag s.a., Herentals
2009 : Revor s.a., Meulebeke
2010 : St.Jozef ziekenhuis Malle
2010 : Feld s.a., Herentals
2012 : Feld s.a., Herentals
2014 : Sociale werkplaats "La Bavette", Sambreville
Curatings
2009: “Portraits presque Célèbres”, Maison du Hainaut, Charleroi (B)
2009: “(En)joy 13 x 13”, Herentals (B)
2010: “Kif Kif Bourricot”, CC Malle (B)
2011 : “Brave New Belgium“, The Cube, Bussum (NL)
2014 : "Bozar de l'Abattoir", Tamines (B)
Poetry, abstract music and publications by aka Ottist (F)reddy
2026 publications by l'Ane qui Butines (Lille, FR)
After8 (Paris, FR)
2025 Aan Nederlagen geen gebrek, poetry publication
2023 “Mijn hemel in twee dimensies” een bundel over dagelijkse onrust of beter MIJN dagelijkse onrust
2022 Mijn schilderijen zijn egoïstisch, publication
2021 Au début c’était humide (11 poèmes)
Het plezierprincipe: Persoonlijke overwinningen en hinderlagen, poetry publication
2020 “Springen is een soort val met een horizontale snelheidscomponent naast de verticale basissnelheid”, poetry publication
2019 Uitgehongerde zinnen voor de presentatie van mijn meritocratisch kookboek, , poetry publication
“Tijdelijk Nuttige Zones”, publication
Comme James Bond, mais moins excitant (Un tatouage sur le cerveau), un nouveau recueil de poèmes
Pas de rêve érotique (J’ai senti le luxe) – poème sur 7 drapeaux
Mieux que dieu, publication
Florid without conveying much information , Da Dist Tape-production, abstract music
Collections
Erfgoedbibliotheek, Antwerp
Centre Pompidou, France
Van Abbemuseum, Eindhoven
City of Sambreville, (B)
Awards
Fred Michiels is since Ambassador of the Walloon culture in Belgium
EDUCATION
Drawing and Painting, Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Sint Lucas, Antwerp (1984-1988)
Drawing and Painting, The Cooper Union, New York City (1993-1996)
SOLO en DUO SHOWS
2026 : upcomig solo This i where I left myself, Eva Steynen Gallery opening September 17
upcoming solo - Comme un vœu, un éclat, une chance ou un souffle, Musée du petit format, Nisme (B) opening September 11
2024 : Not naked, but undressed, solo show Eva Steynen Gallery
C.A.S. , duo, Ostend
J’apprends encore à tuer le temps – Fondation Pim De Rudder, Assenede
2021: The sun shines when it really rains, Eva Steynen Gallery
2020 : Comme James Bond, José Hubert Galerie d'art des collines, Doische (B)
2018 : This is not a printed book, duo show with J.U.Kubiak, Eva Steynen.Deviation(s), Brussels (B)
HOME, duo show with Henk Delabie, Antwerp (B)
2015: Solo, Too much feels very good (T.M.F.V.G.), Eva Steynen Deviations, Antwerp
2014 : Bozar de l'Abattoir, Tamines (B)
2013 : »Het toeval als figuratief element#3 », De Lakenhal, Herentals (B)
: SecondRoom Anvers (B)
: About (Art)faces & a(r)ttachments, SK-Gallery Tamise (B)
2012 : « Het Toeval als figuratief element », Secret Kitchen Gallery, Temse (B)
: « Het Toeval als figuratief element #2», SK-Gallery Tamise (B)
2011 : “ New contaminated erotics”, Le Progrès, Charleroi (B)
: “a transparent bookpresentation”, Galerie Draulans, Westerlo (B)
: « Spare Parts for an exhibition, Galerie Les Contemporains 0-+, Bruxelles (B)
2010 : « Rien que pour mes yeux », Le Progrès, Charleroi (B)
: « The archive near itself », CEME’xpo, Charleroi (B)
2009 : “Portraits Presque Célèbres”, Maison du Hainaut, Charleroi (B)
: “It’s Okay Not to Pay (attention )”, Ottilia Pribilla galerie, Antwerp (B)
2008 : “Roze Kieke(n)s en Purpere Rijz(t)”, Brakke Grond, Amsterdam (NL)
2007 : “T.E.T.B.” (To Encounter Total Bafflement), Ottilia Pribilla galerie, Antwerp (B)
2006 : “Portable Property”, Cultural Centre Heist-op-den-Berg (B)
: “Portable Property”, galerie NegenPuntNegen, Roeselare (B)
2004 : “Unintentional Popular architecture”, CC Malle, (B)
: “Art in Progress”, De Pinte, (B)
2003 : “De analogie werd te verward”, CC De Warande, Turnhout (B)
2002 : “Extramuros”, Cultureel Centrum Strombeek-Bever (B)
GROUP SHOWS
2026 Still Here, Eva Steynen Gallery
2024 Art on Paper Brussels
Stormloop, Herentals (B)
2023 De Brug, Westerlo (B)
Walking on thin ice, CC Zottegem (B)
10 Years, what a surprise! Eva Steynen Gallery
Luxembourg Art week (LU)
2022 Touch-Lines #3, Eva Steynen Gallery, Antwerp (B)
Stormloop, Herentals (B)
Die Brücke, Kulturzentrum Alter Schlachthof, Eupen (B)
Voix Vives, poetry festival, Sète
2020 Positions Berlin Art Fair, with Eva Steynen Gallery (D)
Yes, we are open! group exhibition, at Eva Steynen.deviation(s), Antwerp (B)
Walk around the park, online group exhibition,Eva Steynen Gallery
The Syndicate of Belgian Painters, CC Borgloon and Sint Truiden (B)
The Syndicate of Belgian Painters, Anouk Vilain Gallery, Diepenbeek (B)
2019: Positions Berlin Art Fair, with Eva Steynen Gallery (D)
Art The Haque, with Eva Steynen Gallery, The Hague (NL)
Shining ground, group exhibition at Eva Steynen Gallery, (B)
2018 : Art Fair BAD, Ghent (B)
extra muros: Eva Steynen.Deviation(s) at Galerie Borssenanger, Chemnitz (D)
HOME, duo show with Henk Delabie, Antwerp (B)
Welcome to the Antropocene, Exit 11, Petit-Leez (B)
2017: BYPASS, groupshow, Eva Steynen Deviations, Antwerp
2016 : Faire & Squaire, groupsshow, Buda-Paardenstallen, Kortrijk
2015 : Workplace Antwerp (B)
: "Er hangt iets in de lucht", 's-Hertogenbosch (NL.)
: Bikini Wax, Mexico City (MEX)
2014 : Global Village with Stichting White Cube, Abcoude, Landshut et Kopenhagen (DK)
2013 : Gratis Toegang (commisaire Ricky Oudermans) , Westmalle (B)
: « Katernen » Van Abbe Musée, Eindhoven (NL)
: Workplace, Antwerp
2012 : « Grenier, Michiels, Fromont/JE est NOUS», galerie Ephémère, Thuin (B)
: « Un geste de couleur », Antwerp ( curator Eva Steynen)
: « Une pièce n’est jamais achevée », Galerie Nicolas Hugo, Paris (FR)
: « I’ve brought my world indoors », Artpoteek, Bruxelles
2011 : Brave New Belgium, The Cube, Bussum (NL)
2010 : « Autour des éditions de l’heure », commissaire Ghislain Olivier, Le Comptoir, Liège
: « ArtistBOOKS, 9th edition », Centre Pompidou, Paris
2009 : “Groupshow”, Ottilia Pribilla Galerie, Antwerp (B)
: “Morcellement de çimaise”, commissaire Jaques Lizène, Mu ka, Antwerp (B)
: « Fading », commissaire Sven Vanderstichelen, Musée d’Ixelles (B) -catalogue
: « les éditions de l’heure », commissaire Ghislain Olivier, Maison de la Culture, Tournai (B)
: « wwwArt in Vivo », Galerie Les Contemporains 0-+, Bruxelles (B)
2008 : « 307 portraits », Tours & Taxis, Bruxelles
“La vache qui ne rit plus”, Espace 72, Dison (B)
2006 : " FW Painting ", De Fabriek, Eindhoven (NL)
“Tempus Arti”, (triennale) Landen (B)
2005: "Project 3000", Leuven (B)
2004: “K.U.R.K”, CC De Warande, Turnhout (B)
2003: “Sugar and Spice”, Annie Gentils-galerie, Antwerp (B)
“Tempus Arti”, (triennale) Landen (B)
“Autour de Vincent”, Zundert (NL)
2002: “Accrochage”, Annie Gentils-galerie, Antwerp (B)
1999: “Academie”, Antwerp (B)
1998: “20 jaar CC De Warande”, Turnhout (B)
Public commands
2008 : Drisag s.a., Herentals
2009 : Revor s.a., Meulebeke
2010 : St.Jozef ziekenhuis Malle
2010 : Feld s.a., Herentals
2012 : Feld s.a., Herentals
2014 : Sociale werkplaats "La Bavette", Sambreville
Curatings
2009: “Portraits presque Célèbres”, Maison du Hainaut, Charleroi (B)
2009: “(En)joy 13 x 13”, Herentals (B)
2010: “Kif Kif Bourricot”, CC Malle (B)
2011 : “Brave New Belgium“, The Cube, Bussum (NL)
2014 : "Bozar de l'Abattoir", Tamines (B)
Poetry, abstract music and publications by aka Ottist (F)reddy
2026 publications by l'Ane qui Butines (Lille, FR)
After8 (Paris, FR)
2025 Aan Nederlagen geen gebrek, poetry publication
2023 “Mijn hemel in twee dimensies” een bundel over dagelijkse onrust of beter MIJN dagelijkse onrust
2022 Mijn schilderijen zijn egoïstisch, publication
2021 Au début c’était humide (11 poèmes)
Het plezierprincipe: Persoonlijke overwinningen en hinderlagen, poetry publication
2020 “Springen is een soort val met een horizontale snelheidscomponent naast de verticale basissnelheid”, poetry publication
2019 Uitgehongerde zinnen voor de presentatie van mijn meritocratisch kookboek, , poetry publication
“Tijdelijk Nuttige Zones”, publication
Comme James Bond, mais moins excitant (Un tatouage sur le cerveau), un nouveau recueil de poèmes
Pas de rêve érotique (J’ai senti le luxe) – poème sur 7 drapeaux
Mieux que dieu, publication
Florid without conveying much information , Da Dist Tape-production, abstract music
Collections
Erfgoedbibliotheek, Antwerp
Centre Pompidou, France
Van Abbemuseum, Eindhoven
City of Sambreville, (B)
Awards
Fred Michiels is since Ambassador of the Walloon culture in Belgium
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