Galerie Ramakers is pleased to present a solo exhibition featuring the work of Willy de Sauter. Opening of the exhibition will be 26 of April.
Willy De Sauter (Bruges, 1938) has been building a coherent body of work since the 1960s, based on a fundamental formal language. Whereas his early work consisted of the systematic repetition of line patterns, in recent years he has focused on monochrome chalk paintings and objects.
These recent chalk works are a continuation of his long-standing exploration of a reductive approach to art. Their apparent simplicity is the result of a rigorous process of reduction aimed at revealing the essence. At the same time, they bear witness to an intensive and artisanal creative process.
Despite their minimalist character, the works align with the Western painting tradition, in which chalk and glue were already used as a ground layer by the Flemish Primitives. What at first glance appear to be white, austere panels reveal, upon closer inspection, a wealth of subtle nuances: traces on the surface, variations in white, and the play of light.
Variations in format and presentation—horizontal or vertical in the space—create a rhythmic whole. De Sauter seeks an exhibition context as pure as possible, free from visual noise, allowing for a tranquil and contemplative experience. His work invites concentrated and unhurried viewing and fundamentally redefines the experience of art.
The exhibition will be on view from April 19 through May 24, 2026. The opening reception will take place on April 26.