Solo by Wannes Vanwijnsberghe (1992).
Who or what is the
‘Underdog’?
The inspiration for the title of this exhibition arises from the concept of the underdog, a term often used in the world of sports, appearing in movies, and other sources. It carries an intrinsic power and essentially represents the classic David versus Goliath story. Here, David demonstrates his worth and continues to fight despite the immense challenges he faces. I saw a parallel between the role of the underdog and my own experience in the art world, where I fought for a
“career,” my own obsession to
“win.” The pursuit of a dream. I identify myself as David — the underdog — facing my inner struggle with the art world and the weight of my own ambitions — Goliath. Just as the underdog lives for their sport in the underground, my passion for creating images is driven day in and day out by my inner fire. Gradually, my appreciation for the role of the underdog has liberated me. This exhibition thus somewhat tells a personal story, a mental victory after several challenging years of internal strug- gle. The growth of my work as a barometer. My artistic freedom as an underdog has become my strength.
In mid-
2019, I made a radical change in my work by exclusively starting to work with a monochromatic palette. Also, my previously painterly style shifted more towards the world of drawing, which at times felt like artistic suicide. The transition was very abrupt. This change resulted in almost a complete standstill in opportunities to participate in external exhibitions. It feels strange to mention this, but my mental struggle is an integral part of my life as an artist and it cast a shadow over my studio. I certainly don’t feel ashamed of it. But as the underdog is known for resilience, determination, and the ability to exceed expectations despite significant challenges, I continued to do what I love and continued to grow at the heart of the studio. Every step taken in the studio was a necessary step forward.
Now, about five years later, color is back in the studio. The monochrome years have certainly paid off and are considered the most formative years in my artistic career. In this exhibition, some never-before-seen works will be displayed alongside a series of recent creations. Each image is open to interpretation, but often symbolic of events in the world, our own human quirks, and relationships with nature and the world in which we live. This exhibition serves as a gauge of my work in
2024.
Wannes Vanwijnsberghe