Flandriens

Louis Ingelaere's first solo exhibition, titled "Flandriens," is a captivating exploration of the romanticized cycling culture in Flanders during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. The exhibition showcases a series of portrait paintings and drawings of non-existing Flemish men who live to ride, but don’t ride to live.

"Flandriens" takes viewers on a nostalgic journey, evoking the image cherished by the people of Flanders: that of a Flandrien – a down-to-earth person with whom one could share a beer. These portraits, reminiscent of the "tronies" seen in Rubens' paintings, do not depict real cyclists but rather embody the archetypal Flandrien.

Ingelaere brings these unique faces to life digitally by blending different features of iconic Flandriens, resulting in familiar yet unreal faces. Just as the Flemish people value modesty and groundedness, they also aspire to transcend the ordinary. This contradiction in the Flemish identity is beautifully encapsulated in Ingelaere's paintings.

Louis Ingelaere - Flandrien - 2023 - oil on canvas 40 x 60 cm

Having started his artistic journey in 2021, Ingelaere's background as a graphic designer and art director shines through in his work. The compositions exude a poster-like quality, and the use of typography adds to the overall aesthetic, reminiscent of vintage cycling jerseys.‍