Michel Van de Velde ‘Métamorphose marine’ realistic and fantastic painting, oil on canvas, 1993

A large painting combining mysticism and realism, set against a blue background evoking the depths of the sea. It illustrates the metamorphosis of a man into a shell, probably a mussel. The face, like a mask, is transformed while the shoulder gradually freezes to take on the appearance of a shell, leaving only a few barely realistic elements of the body visible. Remarkable for its technique and quality, this work brings to life the painter's imagination in a canvas imbued with fantasy.

This work was exhibited in 1993 at the Galerie Liehrmann in Liège, alongside works by two other artists, De Vos and Le Moult.

This painting, the centrepiece of the exhibition, was featured on the official poster for the event (see images).

Michel Van de Velde is known for his mystical work, a mixture of people and the animal world. A strong expression where the intrigues of the world are rendered in an exciting way, a very beautiful and deeply moving work. The artist presents himself as a master of realism, with extraordinary technical talent. He makes his subjects hover on the edge of metamorphosis, giving the impression of frequenting a mythical moment.

Biography:
VAN DE VELDE, Michel (Ixelles, 1945)
Painter. Trained at the Académie de Saint-Josse-ten-Node.
Member of the ‘Gryday Artists Group'.

Exhibitions:
- The Liehrmann Gallery in Liège exhibited the artists M. Van de Velde, De Vos and Le Moult in 1993.
- The Beukenhof Alliances Gallery in Kluisbergen in 2013.
- Galerie Christine Colon, Salon de dessin contemporain, Group Exhibition in 2018.
- Galerie Christine Colon in Liège group exhibition: Michel Van De Velde & Lieven Demunter in 2018.
- Galerie Christine Colon in Liège exhibits Michel Van De Velde, Lieven Demunter in 2021.
- The Beukenhof Phoenix Art Gallery in Kluisbergen in 2024.

Michel Van de Velde has also exhibited with Armin Göhringer.
Exhibited large enigmatic figures during autumn 2001.

In the press:
- ‘Each painting is a portrait: faced with the harsh reality of life, he places masks, skulls, gentle little animals, sexual or cosmic challenges in his works'.
- He transforms reality into a world where people, animals and things take on other forms, forms in which only a tiny part of reality can be detected, but which are inspired by a powerful imagination and a refined technique'.