Who's Beddru?

Italian self-taught painter Beddru has distinguished himself in contributing conceptual insight to the course of contemporary art by embracing experimentation of non-traditional materials, such as thick superposed plexiglas-panels. His figurative pictorial subjects are “unconformably” represented through ink-based mixed media, applied via reverse painting technique, inspired by Italian painters from the 1600s. By developing a variation of this technique, Beddru focuses on the use of vivid pigments to create a striking vibrancy as a distinctive trait of his style. The eye of the observer is simultaneously caught by both a fascinating chromatic balance and the mystery of enigmatic figures, who from the depths of a mythological past, bring secretive symbols to our contemporary present as messages to decipher. Beddru currently lives and paints in his studio in Brussels, exhibiting on a regular basis internationally, in venues spanning from highly ranked art- fairs to museums in both solo and collective exhibitions. His artwork is part of international private collections such as the one of the Saudi Royal Family and the one of the billionaire Graeme Hart in New Zealand.

                                            ARTIST STATEMENT

My artwork takes a critical view of society and human life over time. I often reference Sicily and its symbols in my work, leveraging the cross-cultural background I had the opportunity to grow up in. Popular culture, myth and a lucid look at current times I witness allow me to engage and paint on topics such as gender gap, gender bias, connection to Nature. The appearance of my subjects disappears eventually, and my focus stays on the essence of being equal humans despite our origins, fortune or misfortune.  While I use various materials and processes, my approach is consistent. I take inspiration from the past, but my subjects are unquestionably contemporary. Therefore, the materials I use as well.  Each body of work often consists of multiple artworks grouped around specific themes and meanings. Research becomes key for gathering interest and making it arise so that my brain and hand align, leading to the next body of work.