18 december 2023, Wouter van den Eijkel
The studio of... Francis Vanhee
Francis Vanhee's studio is located in the attic of a mansion in Ghent. Not only does he get to enjoy magnificent views of the city centre, but can also retreat completely into his cocoon. Working high above what he calls the extroverted society, he dedicates himself to his painting. Vanhee studied photography at KASK, where he began his artistic career by experimenting with paint on prints.
Although photography is the building block of Vanhee’s work, he now primarily works on canvas. The pieces in In the middle of my future and past collectively mark a turning point in Vanhee's life. Earlier this year, he publicly addressed the sexual abuse he endured as a five-year-old. He is now sharing his story. “The notion of a macho man who does not experience such things is simply wrong; it is a universal story.” Even though Vanhee has painted many still lifes that appear innocuous at first glance, on closer inspection each canvas carries an underlying tension like built-in barbs. In the middle of my future and past is on display at NQ Gallery in Antwerp until 4 February.
Francis Vanhee, Maybe one last portrait before we go back on the road, 2023, NQ Gallery
Where is your studio and what does it look like?
My studio is in Ghent in a relatively spacious attic in a mansion. Below is 'Het Objectief,' an exhibition space, print lab and photo studio that people can book. My studio offers beautiful views of Ghent. Light enters from the east, providing a cool, northern light from noon onwards that is very pleasant to work in.
In interviews, you describe your studio as a cocoon. Is it a place you like to retreat to?
Absolutely. I am an introverted person in a society that tends to be extroverted. And being highly gifted, I experience everything very intensely. That's why I need a place where I can be completely alone without being influenced by others and without influencing others.
Francis Vanhee, Ive watched through a window as my young self died 2000, 2023, NQ Gallery
I understand that you are currently also studying to become a preschool teacher. What led you to pursue this?
I began the programme during the pandemic. I was a freelance photographer at the time, including for De Morgen. Due to the restrictions, I received a subsidy as a self-employed person during that time, which provided me with a basic income and the freedom to do whatever I wanted. As a result, I felt like an artist for the first time, but afterwards, I had to pay back the entire amount. I chose this programme because it's challenging to make a living from your work early in your career. And preschoolers view the world with an open mind, not unlike that of an artist. My goal is to eventually make a living from my work as an artist.
You were a concert photographer for Ancienne Belgique for a while and studied photography at KASK, where you began experimenting with painting. Why did you make the switch and what attracted you to painting?
At some point, photography alone was no longer sufficient. As a child, I discovered my parents' camera, which opened up a whole new world for me. The camera provided me with numerous possibilities. But when I studied photography at KASK, the programme proved to be very rigid and outdated. It didn't align with how I wanted to work. That's when I started painting, initially on prints and now on canvas.
Francis Vanhee, My brother and I, 2023, NQ Gallery
When did you start considering yourself a visual artist rather than a photographer?
hat realisation came when I was working as a photographer. As a concert photographer, I wasn't only looking to take a good concert photo, but a good photo in general. I experimented with dissecting photos and I was undoubtedly a visual artist, although I didn't dare label myself as such yet.
Does photography still play a significant role in your work?
Absolutely. It remains the foundation of my work. I use pictures that I've just taken or images from my archive. Television also plays a substantial role in my work; I belong to the last generation that watched a lot of TV. Recently, I saw Kabouter Plop on TV and was immediately catapulted back to my childhood. I took Polaroids of the TV screen, resulting in very dark photos, depicting a dark world.
Francis Vanhee, As a child we build a tent with chairs and blankets, 2023, NQ Gallery
The exhibition currently at NQ Gallery is entitled In the middle of my future and past. Why did you call it this and why is it a pivotal moment in your life?
The exhibition delves into traumas in a non-overpowering way. At the age of five, I was sexually abused by my nanny, which I kept that to myself for a long time. Only this year did I start talking about it, first with my psychologist and later with people close to me. There was a certain shame because she was also a caring and warm person. I experienced flashbacks and nightmares. Right now, I find myself in the middle, somewhere between my past and my future. With my story, I hope to help break taboos about men as victims of sexual abuse. The notion of a macho man who does not experience such things is simply wrong; it is a universal story.
The story behind this exhibition is very personal. What do you want to convey to the viewer or is this not something you are focused on when painting?
I paint first and foremost for myself, followed by the context of a scheduled exhibition. I don't mind how someone returns home—angry, upset or cheerful—as long as they feel something.
Francis Vanhee, Is that a real tree,yes no?, 2023, NQ Gallery
That is pretty much guaranteed because when I first saw your work online, I was immediately struck by its intensity.
The longer you look at my work, the more you notice that there is more going on in it. There is an undertone, an underlying message, but at first glance, it seems like a reasonably innocent representation. Whether you pick up on that depends on the amount of time you spend looking at the work.
The show also includes work by other artists. Where did this idea come from and can you explain what their work adds to the exhibition?
These are four artists from the gallery—artists who evoke a certain feeling in me as a viewer. Especially Natasja Alers, who I look up to because I cannot do what she does. The starting point was that they were inspired by my work and each of them created one or two works of art specifically for the exhibition.
Francis Vanhee, Night time 3, 2023, NQ Gallery
In terms of the title of the exhibition, it also mentions the future. In an ideal world, what would you like to be doing five years from now?
In the past, my dream was to work for De Standaard or De Morgen and I achieved that. Now, my dream is to do nothing else besides my work as an artist. My goal is to communicate my work effectively. I also want to create art about different themes. Next year, I have an exhibition scheduled featuring work based on travel photos from friends. I asked them to take pictures during their travels, which I use as a basis for my paintings, creating the illusion that I have travelled myself. This is also a critique of society. Nowadays, people go to Milan for a weekend of shopping and I find that unacceptable. Travel can also happen perfectly in your mind because, for me, traveling is a feeling.
What are you currently working on?
I'm working on my next show for April. I'm also still brainstorming about other projects. I like to stay active, hoping that my career doesn't take too rapid a leap, but progresses steadily. I wish the best for others, but I find the art market very transient. So, I want to create a kind of timeless work that will still be in demand when I'm 50.
Francis Vanhee. Photo by Nathalie Samain
