Eddy Bogaert has been surrounded with a diverse cultural heritage and has experienced life in many countries around the world. His art is like his life: rich with many layers which add a deep complexity to his artwork; full of diverse experiences, influences and contrasting aesthetics. In his mixed media creations, Eddy draws inspiration from high fashion, street art, glamorous city nightlife and pop-culture. He embeds magazine covers, comp cards from fellow models, as well as editorial images, spray painting and Jackson Pollock-style splatter painting. Juxtaposed in the complex layers, his paintings have discreet subliminal messages, which can be seen under certain lighting conditions if one is paying close attention. Never formally trained, his modern approach and visual aesthetic has led him to be compared to such contemporary artists as Mr. Brainwash, and Sam Francis yet his style is unique and enlivening; it is currently receiving a lot of attention in the New York City art scene
Describe your style of art. How would you call it?
I like to describe it as “chaotic balance.” At first glance, it may appear to be random and without direction, but as you let the painting envelope your senses you will find that a subtle balance begins to emerge.
What is your ethnic background, Eddy?
My mother was from the Dominican Republic and my father comes from Belgium. I have qualities and traits from both of them, and appreciate the diverse cultural experiences that I had as a child. I was born in New York, spent most of my youth in Florida and school in Connecticut; as well as spending a good deal of time in Spain.
-Where have you shown your artwork?
Venues that have hosted my shows include: Loftwoods, which is an amazing photography studio owned by Michael Eisenberg; fashion stores in New York City, such as the Y-CLAD Jewelry Store and The French Corner; and recently, I had a show at Subject, which is a bar in the Lower East Side and at Exchange Alley in the East Village. I am really excited about my upcoming show during Art Basel at the Eden Roc Hotel in South Beach.
How long have you been painting?
I have been painting more and more seriously during the last two years, as a result of many people enjoying it and encouraging me to dedicate more time to my art. I must admit that I was never pursuing art as a career. Usually, I would find a reason to express myself through painting and give them as gifts to my friends. When people started to offer to buy my work, it helped me become more serious about my art. I have studied a lot of street art here in New York City, and other urban settings; it serves as a source of inspiration and gives me a willingness to explore different mediums, colors and forms. My first memory of picking up a paint brush was when I was about six years old, so I think I’ve always had a passion for art and creating beauty in my own unique way.
When you use images or pictures of a certain model, what makes you choose that face or particular girl?
Usually their beauty draws me to them. Most of my art has an undertone of sexual attraction, passion and desire; so I choose the images according to my own preferences and what intrigues or arouses me.
You said your artwork tells stories. Are the stories your experiences or do they belong to the models themselves?
The stories are mine; what I am feeling, my thoughts and the emotions that surround me as I am painting.
Danae Terzakou
