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