BEDDRU
Italian 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 plexiglass-panels. His formative creative years were spent in Agrigento, Sicily where he absorbed the influence of classical Greek art. Many of BEDDRU’s multi-media paintings include the visual motifs of classical Greek bas-relief sculpture flattened within the confines of plexiglass. Athletes and female portraits in profile are reminiscent of coins and popular classical imagery. After having admired and studied the works of the great masters, BEDDRU left Italy to continue his practice abroad.
His figurative pictorial subjects are represented through ink-based mixed media applied via reverse painting techniques inspired by Italian painters from the seventeenth century. By developing variations of this technique, BEDDRU focuses on the use of vivid pigments to create striking vibrancy. 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.
Reminiscent of the Fauvist movement and Italian classicism, BEDDRU’s bold outlines, dynamic brushstrokes and contrasting use of colour make his work visually exciting. His work is extremely personal as well, drawing upon the Arab presence on the island where he grew up and his own Italian heritage. His paintings are indicative of self-discovery and emotional awareness, while also focusing on colour, composition, and technical skill.
The striking connection to the characters’ identity and to Nature are powerful drivers in BEDDRU’s paintings.
The artist may also represent those who are considered “different” and those who are rejected because of prejudice or ignorance. Popular imagery within the context of Greek history is overturned by atypical characters that populate his artistic world and speak up loud to make their voices heard.
BEDDRU’s work is represented by well-established art galleries worldwide and it is exhibited internationally on a regular basis in venues spanning from highly ranked art fairs to museums in both solo and group exhibitions. His artwork is part of international private collections such as the collection of the Saudi Royal Family and businessman Graeme Hart in New Zealand.
Critics
“His figures conceal a beauty and liveliness that remind us of Kees van Dongen and the Fauvist movement, along with Alexej von Jawlensky and Franz Marc of Der Blaue Reiter. The bold outlines, dynamic brushstrokes and contrasting hues exude passion and enthusiasm. Beddru relies on strong clashing colours to construct his images, thus evoking powerful emotions of sensuality and expressive depth, juxtaposed to a lightness of spirit that captures and enthralls the viewer with its calm, unobtrusive serenity and pictorial clarity of speech. Marlene Dumas said: “I have always been interested in how you can depict suffering without being heavy-handed”. With Beddru we finally have an answer.”
Karen Lappon, art critic, London
RECENT exhibitions
(for complete list please visit www.beddru.com)
2023
Art Palm Beach - USA
Affordable Art Fair - Brussels - Belgium
O3 - Design Shenzhen - China
Luxembourg Art Fair - Luxembourg
2022
Beyond Reclusion - Le Neuf Gallery (Solo Exhibition), Brussels - Belgium
Affordable Art Fair Brussels - Belgium
Affordable Art Fair Stockholm - Sweden
Focus Art Fair - Paris - France
End Of Summer Show - Studio 52 - Bonheiden - Belgium
Artexpo Dallas - USA
Grand Opening Makowski Gallery - Paris - France
Affordable Art Fair - Amsterdam - The Netherlands
FIABCN - Barcelona - Spain
Aqua Art Miami - USA
Red Dot Miami - USA
2021
Affordable Art Fair, Amsterdam - The Netherlands
Affordable Art Fair, Stockholm Sweden
Art Up, Lille - France
Rest-Art, Bonheiden - Belgium
2020
ACAF Digital Pop-Up
MvVO Art Show, New York - USA
Talent5 - Studio 52, Bonheiden - Belgium
Solo Exhibition - Le Neuf Gallery Brussels - Belgium
Art Palm Springs - USA
2019
Affordable Art Fair Amsterdam – The Netherlands
ACAF – Bozar Museum – Brussels - Belgium
“For Want of Abundance,” Artplex Gallery, Los Angeles, CA - USA
Affordable Art Fair New York - USA
Expo4Art – Paris _France
Art3F – Gent - Belgium
Art Laren – Laren – The Netherlands
Art Breda – Breda – The Netherlands
London Art Biennale – London - UK
AD MvVO Art Show – New York - USA
Art à Porter – Spazio HUS – Milan - Italy
ACAF Pop Up – Maasmechen Village - Belgium
Art Up – Lille - France
Art Palm Springs - USA
First Art Fair – Amsterdam – The Netherlands
