Myrjam De Keyser on Silly Chickens, Expressive Eyes, and Returning to Painting After Medicine
Myrjam De Keyser, a Belgian artist and former ophthalmologist, resumed her painting journey in 2018, centering her creations around whimsical chickens, a theme that defines her artistry. She raises silkie chickens in her garden, which frequently feature in her watercolor and oil pastel works. Her piece 'energetic' embodies joy and humor, needing no elaborate interpretation. Color plays a vital role in her art; she shifted from abstract forms to chicken depictions, focusing on their eyes to add personality. De Keyser explores oil paint on paper and acrylic, blending images of both angry and happy chickens. Her studies at the academy in Wilrijk enriched her skills. Influenced by orphism, expressionism, and street art, she aims to express lightness and joy. Noteworthy works include 'Adorable', 'Honest', and 'Awake – making of'.
Key facts
- Myrjam De Keyser trained and worked as an eye doctor before returning to painting in 2018.
- She lives and creates in Belgium and studied at the academy in Wilrijk.
- Her current focus is 'silly chickens', a motif she initially made only for fun.
- She keeps silkie chickens, known for fluffy heads and fluffy trousers, in a large garden within the city.
- Her painting 'energetic' is described as radiating fun, color and humor.
- Eyes are always prominent in her work, giving her birds character and personality, and most paintings are named after personality traits.
- She experiments with oil paint on paper and acrylic but always returns to watercolor and oil pastel.
- She cites orphism, expressionism and street art as influences on her creative process.
Entities
Artists
- Myrjam De Keyser
Institutions
- Singulart
- Singulart Magazine
- academy in Wilrijk
Locations
- Belgium
- Wilrijk