Fred Bervoets (b. 1942, Burcht) occupies a distinct place in the Belgian art world. Oblivious to all trends, he has continued – like a lone wolf – to paint in his characteristic style. It is expressionistic, exuberant and betrays certain Cobra influences. Although his work was not always consistent with the prevailing mood of the era, as a painter/teacher he was a major influence on many artists, including Vincent Geyskens, Tom Liekens, Koen van den Broek, Kati Heck, Vaast Colson and Dennis Tyfus. By means of horror vacui, as well as the range of art historical references, Bervoets’ caricatural visual language and swirling, almost psychedelic richness of detail evokes similarities with art brut and the world of comics. Bervoets is a born storyteller who also makes drawings, paintings and etchings. His oeuvre has a markedly narrative and autobiographical slant, for which he draws on both memories and scenes from everyday life. This is also true of Christmas (2020). In this work, the artist depicts himself spending Christmas alone during the corona virus pandemic lockdown, surrounded by his paintings.
