A documentary by Gallery Sofie Van de Velde in collaboration with M HKA, showcasing the artistic journey of Willy De Sauter. This documentary was created to commemorate Willy De Sauter's exhibition at M HKA from 20.01 - 5.05.2024. Produced by Steve Brouwers.
For over 50 years, Belgian artist Willy De Sauter (born in Dudzele in 1938) has been driven by a quest to explore the foundations of art experience. This has resulted in an impressive body of work distinguished by stylistic unity and formal simplicity. The artist strives to distill his works to their essence. Trained as a graphic designer, he began his exploration of the visual possibilities of the line, which he considers the most elemental form. This presentation at M HKA highlights some early key works that illustrate the artist's evolution. In the 1970s, De Sauter drew lines on paper or canvas; later, he allowed lines to emerge through a play of light and shadow, by dividing two panels, or by intentionally creasing the canvas. Working with line patterns, he arrived at monochrome fields among other discoveries. His fascination with architecture led him to Vienna, where he drew inspiration from Haus Wittgenstein, the building designed by philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein on behalf of his sister, and reproduced its formal structure. In the 1980s, De Sauter began creating spatial works, continuing to abstractly reference architecture. Over 25 years after Willy De Sauter's major retrospective at M HKA, the profound depth of his work continues to fascinate. (exhibition text by M HKA) Willy De Sauter is represented by Gallery Sofie Van de Velde (Antwerp, BE).
39:10 mins
