A diary on canvas by Eddy Stevens

VCRB Gallery announces the publication of Dressings, a new monograph on the work of Eddy Stevens, published by Borgerhoff & Lamberigts. The book launch is accompanied by a solo exhibition at the gallery in Antwerp. Both the opening and the launch will take place on September 12, 2025.
In Dressings, the artist looks back on the past ten years of his work, presenting a carefully curated selection of 120 paintings, with around ten analyzed in detail. The publication offers an intimate insight into the world of an artist who sees his work as diary pages. Each painting is a snapshot, a reflection of how he felt, what occupied his mind, and how he relates to the world around him.

Since his previous catalogue in 2016, Stevens’ work has inevitably evolved. Themes appear and disappear, but his self-reflection and interest in the human condition remain consistent. His work does not focus on anecdotes, but rather on layered atmosphere, symbolism, and emotional resonance. Clothing plays a key role: the figures often wear costumes or bandages that refer to universal stories, personal events, or historical echoes. The title Dressings, chosen by author and art critic Luc Derycke, refers not only to outer garments but also to the English term for wound dressings—something that protects, softens, or heals. This dual meaning is typical of Stevens’ work: it invites introspection, recognition, and comfort, without imposing clear answers.

Creative Process

Stevens works intuitively, guided by the painting process itself. Without preliminary sketches, he begins directly on the canvas, usually starting with a figure. This approach creates a layered and spontaneous narrative that unfolds organically. His technique combines classical grisaille with color applications, giving his works both depth and immediacy. The exhibition at VCRB Gallery presents a wide selection from the book, including the monumental drawing Explorer of the Interior 4, a self-portrait in which Stevens maps out his own life path. This work, with its subtle references to time, memory, and identity, is a key piece in the exhibition and emphasizes the introspective nature of his practice.

Artistic Journey

With Dressings, Stevens not only celebrates his sixtieth birthday but also his dedication to a life devoted to painting. His artistic path is not defined by stagnation or stylistic breaks, but by a continuous, quiet deepening. Eddy Stevens, born in 1965 into a family of diamond sawyers in Antwerp, painted his first artwork at the age of twelve. He later began painting nudes as a self-taught artist, rich in metaphysical symbolism and mythical references. His work evolved into portraying unique figures in surreal environments with a humorous twist. Stevens’ passion and craftsmanship attract attention from collectors and art experts worldwide. His inspiration comes from daily life, humanity, world events, and his emotions.