Hoydonckx Rik

Rik Hoydonckx was a Belgian artist who was born in 1924 in Tessenderlo and who died in Lommel in 2006. He was a painter and graphic artist (graphic work, watercolor and gouache techniques and oil paintings). The artist attended the Normal School in Maasmechelen, where he became acquainted with Ludo Laagland, among others. In 1944 he already took part in an exhibition of the local art circle "Looise Krabbers", later transformed into the "Kunstkring Tessenderlo". Afterwards he was educated at the Higher Institute of Fine Arts in Antwerp (1953-1959) where he was taught graphics by Jos Hendrickx. This was followed by a period of 10 years of perfection and study (1965-75). For example, in '64 he received a scholarship to study techniques in several Parisian studios. There he came into contact with William Hayter in the well-known "Atelier 17" (1965). In 1967 he also spent six months in Belgrade. He also undertook 3 study trips to London (1969-70-75) where he experimented with the mezzotint, among other things. Afterwards he taught at an art school in South Africa (Cape Town). Was a teacher at various schools until he retired in 1980 (Landen, Hasselt, Leopoldsburg, Overpelt and Mol). Has lived in Lommel since his marriage in 1955 and became a member of the Kunstkring "Heikracht". Other members then included Jos Geboers and Rik Hamblok, both also Lommelaars. In 1963 he won the prize for graphics issued by the municipality of Neerpelt. Together with Jos Geboers, Rik Hamblok and a few German artists he founded Groep 64. In 1982 he was awarded the prize for the Visual Arts by the Province of Limburg.