Madonna (1983) Sculpture by Bertrand Catteuw

Bertrand Catteuw is a contemporary award-winning Belgian sculptor. Catteuw's journey into the realm of artistic expression began with a passion for form and movement, which he nurtured through his studies at the prestigious Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Ghent. Here, he delved deep into the intricacies of sculpture, honing his skills and refining his artistic vision.

Catteuw's oeuvre is characterized by his adeptness in capturing the essence of the human form, infusing it with a realism that resonates with viewers on a visceral level. His chosen medium of expression, primarily clay, serves as the foundation upon which he sculpts his figures, breathing life into them with each delicate stroke and nuanced detail. From there, Catteuw employs various casting techniques, ranging from plaster to polyester and bronze, to immortalize his creations in enduring materials that transcend time and space.

Central to Catteuw's artistic ethos is his exploration of universal themes, which he articulates with a remarkable blend of poignancy and authenticity. Through his sculptures, he delves into the depths of human emotion, portraying moments of triumph, struggle, and everything in between. Drawing inspiration from his own experiences as an athlete—a dedicated practitioner of triathlon—Catteuw infuses his works with a profound understanding of the human condition, capturing the raw intensity of physical exertion and the tumultuous array of emotions that accompany it.

In Catteuw's sculptures, the viewer is confronted not only with the physicality of the human form but also with the complex inner workings of the human psyche. His figures exude an undeniable strength and resilience, yet beneath the surface lies a vulnerability that speaks to the inherent fragility of the human spirit. Through his meticulous attention to detail, Catteuw brings forth the tension of taut muscles and the contorted visages of exertion, inviting viewers to contemplate the intricacies of the human body in motion.

One of the hallmarks of Catteuw's work is his innovative use of materials, which he employs to great effect in imbuing his sculptures with a sense of dynamism and vitality. From metal to resin to wood, each material is carefully chosen to complement and enhance the narrative of the piece, adding layers of texture and depth to the overall composition. Through his masterful manipulation of materials, Catteuw transcends the traditional boundaries of sculpture, creating works that are at once tactile and ethereal, timeless yet imbued with a sense of urgency and immediacy.

At the heart of Catteuw's artistic practice lies a profound exploration of the self, manifested most notably in his series of three-dimensional self-portraits. In these works, Catteuw lays bare his own identity, confronting the viewer with an unflinching gaze that speaks to the essence of human existence. Through his self-portraits, Catteuw invites us to ponder the nature of selfhood and the myriad complexities that define our individuality.

• Nationality: BELGIUM
• Date of birth : 1959
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Contemporary Belgian Artists