Jespers Floris

Floris Jespers was a Belgian artist born in Borgerhout (1889) and died in Antwerp (1965). He was a painter, watercolourist, graphic artist, sculptor, designer of murals and tapestry cartons. He also gained fame as a glass painter (églomisés). He was the son of Emiel, brother of Oscar Jespers. He was educated at the Academy in Antwerp under the supervision of F. Courtens. He settled in Zwijndrecht, Melle, Rupelmonde and finally in Antwerp. For fifteen years he was active as a cellist in music hall and theater orchestras. He realized landscapes, figures, open-air scenes and interiors. In his paintings and graphics, the changes in style are very striking. He initially made impressionist works that were strongly influenced by the work of R. Wouters. Va. 1919-1920 a number of works were created that lean towards cubism and geometric abstraction. After that he ended up in Flemish expressionism. In that period he painted large canvases with both rural and urban themes. after 1930 intimate influences became noticeable. Between 1951 and 1957, he undertook three major trips to the Belgian Congo, where he effortlessly found inspiration in the local population. The Congo-inspired works are highly stylized and have a striking rhythmic element. His work can be found in the Museums in Brussels and Antwerp. He is mentioned in BAS II and Two Centuries of Signatures of Belgian Artists. (piron)