Jean Brusselmans - Painter by nature

In autumn 2026, Bozar will present a major retrospective of the painter Jean Brusselmans (1884–1953), the first comprehensive exhibition of his work since 1980. From the early 20th century onwards, Brusselmans developed a distinctive body of work, independent of artistic trends yet firmly rooted in painterly tradition. His deep connection to the Brabant landscape and his modest way of life are translated into an authentic and recognisable visual language, situated at the intersection of abstraction and figuration. Through some 120 works, the exhibition introduces visitors to the remarkable oeuvre of a still underappreciated Belgian artist. Dialogues with contemporaries such as Fernand Léger, Piet Mondrian and Rik Wouters offer a fresh perspective on his work. The exhibition also highlights Brusselmans’ decorative commissions for the theatre, including the monumental sets he designed for the first French-language production of the opera Erwartung by Arnold Schoenberg at the Centre for Fine Arts in 1936. These lost stage designs are brought back to life by the contemporary Belgian painter Kristof Santy (b. 1987), who frequently draws inspiration from Brusselmans in his own work.