Vandermeersch, Marc

Marc Vandermeersch was a Belgian painter, born in Brussels in 1921 and died in Aalst in 1987. Son of a photographer and painter. In 1923, his parents settled in Oudenaarde. He began studying at a young age at the Academy of Oudenaarde under Edmond Van De Vijvere, and later at the Academy of Ghent under Verdegem, Coddron and Malfait. He painted portraits, children, and scenes inspired by rural life and agricultural work. According to the press (1981), his work showed a dual nature: impressionist because of his use of colour and light, expressionist due to the bold brushwork and daring composition, but ultimately highly personal and individual. Disillusioned by the new art trends that threatened traditional forms, he broke with the visual arts in the mid-1950s. In 1976, he resumed his practice, remaining figurative, with children, nature scenes, landscapes of the Lys region, rural life and flowers as main themes. First exhibition at Galerie Pan in Ghent (1948), followed by exhibitions at Galerie Deurlicia in Deurle (1979), Gildenhuis in Zele (1981), Galerie Deurle Dorp (1984), and the Town Hall of Oudenaarde (1986). Active in Oudenaarde and Lochristi. Buried at Campo Santo in Ghent. (Piron)