de Brauwere Aline

Can you tell us about your journey as an artist? How did it begin?

Art has always been part of my life. Both my parents were passionate about art and architecture, and they took us to every museum they could find. When I was fifteen, I started taking classes at the Académie des Beaux-Arts: painting, mixed media, etching, and later sculpture. Since then, I’ve never stopped creating. My art has greatly evolved year after year. I’ve used different techniques and worked on various themes, but I’m always aiming for the same goals: offering new perspectives on our daily environment and sharing peaceful ambiances.

Your work explores the beauty found in everyday moments. How do you decide which fleeting moments to capture, and what does capturing them mean to you as an artist?

Auguste Rodin once said, “Beauty is everywhere. It is not that she is lacking in our eyes, but our eyes which fail to perceive her.” I try to keep my eyes open to the quiet poetry that surrounds us—autumn leaves scattered on the ground, an open book resting on a table, the gentle play of light on a familiar object. These seemingly ordinary scenes are full of meaning when we take the time to notice them. As an artist, capturing these moments is my way of showing their subtle beauty. These paintings serve as a reminder to everyone to seek out those moments.

de Brauwere Aline | Après la pluie

In your statement, you mention that simplicity can become a source of beauty. How do you approach finding beauty in seemingly ordinary or overlooked subjects?

I believe we often overlook the quiet beauty that surrounds us, always chasing more or longing for what we don’t have. Yet true beauty—and even happiness—often resides in the simple, everyday things. For me, it’s about slowing down and paying attention to what’s already there: a gesture, a shadow, an object we pass by without noticing. In a world that can feel overwhelming, turning our gaze to these small moments is not only grounding—it’s a way of reconnecting with what truly matters.

Your most recent collection focuses on simplicity and gentleness, often using objects viewed from above. What draws you to this perspective, and how does it enhance the meaning of your work?

I’ve always admired still lifes for their strong symbolism. I love Flemish painters, as much as Zúrbaran, Cézanne or Matisse. Inspired by that tradition, I aim to renew the genre by focusing on single, evocative objects—always seen from above. This particular perspective allows me to offer a fresh and intimate look at everyday life, inviting the viewer into a quiet moment of contemplation. It’s a way of elevating the simple, giving it presence and weight.

de Brauwere Aline | Au rendez-vous des insomniaques

You often use acrylic and mixed media to create works that speak to a wide audience. How do these materials help you express your artistic vision?

I enjoy exploring materials like plaster, fabric, and paper to bring texture and depth to my work. These elements add contrast and invite tactile engagement. In my most recent series, I’ve also started using glazing resin. It creates a glossy, transparent finish that enhances the surface and intensifies the colors, almost like zooming in. It creates an impression of depth and vibrancy. It’s a subtle but powerful way to magnify what might otherwise be overlooked.

You are also passionate about Literature. How does this contribute to your work?

Indeed, literature is my other great passion. I often incorporate texts such as poems, fragments of novels, or quotations into my pieces of art. Sometimes, it starts with a text that inspires me to create an artwork which gives a new perspective on the text; other times, a finished piece calls for the perfect words to complement it and I integrate them in my work. It’s a way for me to build bridges between two art forms I love deeply — visual art and literature.

de Brauwere Aline | Danse aquatique

What do you enjoy about participating in group exhibitions compared to solo shows?

I particularly enjoy group exhibitions because they foster connections both among artists, and between artists and art lovers. Creating art often means working by yourself, so these events become valuable opportunities for shared enthusiasm and dialogues, which enriches my own practice.

de Brauwere Aline | Eat me if you can

What do you hope viewers feel or experience when looking at your work?

I hope my work invites viewers to rediscover the beauty woven into the fabric of everyday life. Through my art, I seek to reveal the quiet poetry that surrounds us—encouraging a pause, a breath, a moment of presence. I want to create a space that nurtures serenity and mindfulness, where each person can reflect on their connection to the world and to themselves.

One of the most rewarding experiences during exhibitions is hearing from viewers. Each person perceives different symbols, emotions, and narratives in my work—and that, to me, is the essence of art: to speak differently to everyone, allowing each individual to find their own meaning. I like that exchange so much, where my work becomes a mirror for personal interpretation and inner dialogue.