STEVEN BAELEN

Steven Baelen (°1981) is a draftsman living and working in Ghent, Belgium. With a practice rooted in a passion to delineate his intimate surroundings with pencil, he has come to understand drawing in all its fragility and ephemerality. He has been using these values in order to enforce the power that a drawing tool can produce. These works offer a close look at domesticity void of humans, while at the same time becoming a playground where the identities of the different strokes interplay and exchange their roles, with a deliberate lack of resolution. As a result, the drawings melt and merge in one’s psyche, not on the page.

Steven is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts [KASK], Ghent (2006), and of the Higher Institute of Fine Arts [HISK], Ghent (2010). He is an alumnus of the JUNGE AKADEMIE (2011), where he developed his artist book DER RAUM IM VERZUG, which included an invitation to copy pages 7 to 54 onto a single sheet of paper. The Junge Akademie is part of the Berlin Akademie der Künste [AdK], founded in 1696, and is one of the oldest cultural institutes in Europe. In 2014, he was shortlisted for the MAC International Prize, where he created a wall drawing exploring aspects of physical spaces, both real and imagined. MAC International is the largest arts prize in Ireland and one of the few major art prizes in the United Kingdom. In 2016, he was awarded laureate in the ARTS category of the Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium for Science and the Arts [KVAB]. The Prize Laureate of the Academy is awarded by each of the four classes to a promising researcher or artist. Steven Baelen’s work has been featured in different solo and group exhibitions in Belgium and abroad, and he was represented by Levy.Delval (2010-2019). The gallery, located in uptown Brussels, was focused on supporting artists from the young European and international scene. Work by the artist is held in private and public collections.

baelen.steven@telenet.be

+32(0)499327374

Instagram

“02.12.20 – 14.07.17”, 2022, Galerie El, Welle, B [“02.12.20”, pencil on paper, 150×115 cm, 2021]

Acrylic paint on wall, Resident_2, 2021, d’Academie beeld, Sint-Niklaas, B [photography: Dymphna Vandenabeele]

“Steven Baelen – Interior Terror”, 2020, Galerie El, Welle, B

Art on Paper, [in collaboration with BOZAR], 2018, Levy.Delval, Brussels, B

“Newspaper tragedies” [17.05.16], altered laserprint on paper, 29,7×50 cm, 2017

“Newspaper tragedies” [05.01.17], altered laserprint on paper, 29,7×50 cm, 2017

Charcoal on wall, “SOLO zomerresidentie”, 2017, former Maria-chapel, Machelen-aan de-Leie, B [in collaboration with Raveel Museum]

“Interior Terror, 08.03.13 – 01.09.15 – 28.03.13”, [variation_01], digital animation, 02:36, 2016

Charcoal on wall, “OrtungX – Im Zeichen des Goldes”, 2017, Biennial, Alte Mälzerei, Schwabach, DE

“01.09.15”, oil on canvas, 150×215 cm, 2016

Charcoal on wall, “TA Lärm, Begehungen No 13”, 2016, Poelzig-premises, Chemnitz, DE

“Nostalgic Feelings”, 2015, Levy.Delval, Brussels, B [solo]

Charcoal on wall, “MAC International”, 2014, [curated by Hugh Mulholland & Eoin Dara], Metropolitan Arts Centre [the MAC], Belfast, UK

Studio view, 2013, Frans Masereel Centrum, Kasterlee, B

“La Chambre”, 2013, [Duo show with Elena Damiani], Elaine Levy Project, Brussels, B

“Kortrijk Vlaandert”, 2013, [curated by Hilde Van Canneyt], Broeltoren, Kortrijk, B

Charcoal on wall, “Monat der Stipendiaten”, 2012, Akademie der Künste, Berlin, DE

“Der Raum Im Verzug”, artist-book, [text by Hubertus von Amelunxen], Akademie der Künste, Berlin, DE, 2012 [book launch, Elaine Levy Project, Brussels, B] [graphic design: UM]

book launch, Elaine Levy Project, Brussels, B

Open Studio, 2011, Junge Akademie, AdK, Hanseatenweg, Berlin, DE

“Early Pictures for a Past Life”, 2011, Elaine Levy Project, Brussels, B [Photography exhibition: Jonathan-Philippe Lévy]

Studio view, 2011, Gent, B [“09.02.10”, oil paint on canvas, 200×150 cm, 2011]

“One Little Indian, And Then There Were None”, [curated by Marko Stamenkovic], 2010, La Générale en Manufacture, Paris, FR [Fade to Grey, copied notebook, 21×29,7 cm, 2010] [photography: Lara Dhondt]

“Tik_Tak”, digital animation, 20:47, 2010

Charcoal on wall, “26.08.06 – 25.04.07”, Freespace 12, 2010, Bogardenkapel, Bruges, B [photo: Stad Brugge – Cel Fotografie, Matthias Desmet]

Charcoal on wall, “Lucht is tastbaarder dan mijn gedachte”, 2010, [curated by Annemie Van Laethem], Oud-Rekem, B

Charcoal and white chalk on wall, “Young Artists”, 2007-2008, [selected by Kathrin Ginsberg], Palmarium, in collaboration with S.M.A.K & University Ghent, B

Charcoal and white chalk on wall, “Young Artists”, 2007-2008, [selected by Kathrin Ginsberg], Palmarium, Ghent, B

_{2024
2+2 en 4×1, De Cacaofabriek, Helmond, NL [Cat.]
Het Voorstel #3, biennale van ideeën, [caretaker Luk Lambrecht], cc de steiger, Menen, B [Cat.]
[↳Edition: Verschrikkelijk mooi, Four reconstructed drawings, digital print on mica, unique edition]
Collettivona Viadellafucina16, [Turin Art Week], Borealis Art Space, condominium-museum, Turin, IT
IDKF audiovisual exhibition, International digital art festival, Stuttgart, DE
Anonymous Drawings, Kunstraum Kreuzberg/ Bethanien, Berlin, DE}

_{2023
Ik spiegel, jij spiegel, KU Leuven Faculty Club, Leuven, B (Solo)
Verzamelarts, The Governor’s House, Ghent, B [Cat.]
Chosen, [curated by Ignace Devoldere], Zebrastraat, Liedts-Meesen Foundation, Ghent, B
NICCx25 – 25 years standing up for artist’s rights, [book], NICC, p.181-184 (Contribution)}

_{2022
02.12.20 – 14.07.17, Galerie El, Welle, B (Solo)
[↳ Edition: Alphabet, Three reconstructed notes, riso A3 printed, edition of 10, 3 AP]
Ommagio A Caravaggio, Campo Santo chapel, Ghent, B
20 Years Galerie El, Galerie El, Welle, B
New studio, Haringsteeg, Ghent, B (Open studio)
Government Manager of the Year, VVBB, Leuven, B (Commission)
MKULTRA & Obscuritas, 15.06.21, [zine], murf/murw, p.32, March (Contribution)}

_{2021
Dans Le Miroir De L’autre, Galerie El, Welle, B
Daisies by night, [curated by Maaike Leyn], Ter Posterie [De Spil], Roeselare, B
Resident #2, d’Academie beeld, [in collaboration with WARP], Sint-Niklaas, B (Residency)
[ ↳ Edition: Mickey, Notitieboek 2007 – 2008, riso printed, edition of 10, 1 AP]
Benefiet Elpee, [compiled by the Deprez family], Viva Sara, Kortrijk, B (Auction)}

_{2020
Steven Baelen, Galerie El, Welle, B (Solo)
!?Instructions_>, La Raum, Berlin, DE
Zomersalon 2020: buy local, Kunsthal, Ghent, B [Cat.]
100 Artists for The Orchid Foundation, VU, US (Auction)}

_{2019
Home, Sweet Home, [curated by Jan Leysen], Kunstenhuis, Harelbeke, B [Cat.]
UNI Graphica, [3rd Laureate in the nomination Drawing], Kovalenko Art Museum, Krasnodar, RU [Cat.]
100% fremmed?, Aabenraa Kunsthandel, Aabenraa, DK
Galerij van de tekenkunst, [initiative of Wim Kranendonk], Online platform, NL}

_{2018
Art on Paper, in collaboration with BOZAR, Levy.Delval, Brussels, B (Fair) (Solo)
Winterreise, CAPS, Contemporary Art Projects, Kursaal, Ostend, B
Papercuts-Sofam Soundsketches, [curated by Marie Cantos], Art on Paper, Brussels, B
“Go, Get You Home, You Fragments!, former Maria-chapel, Machelen-aan de Leie, B
[↳ Booklet, with contributions of Benoît Vandenbroucke & Marko Stamenkovic, laser printed]
Watercolour room, Show me tomorrow, we will go there, HISK, Ghent, B (Contribution)
Wall drawing, Fondation Thalie, Brussels, B (Commission)}

_{2017
It’s Just Black With A Little Bit Of Blue, Levy.Delval, Brussels, B (Solo)
[↳ Edition: 09.07.15 – 01.09.15, animation, edition of 5, 1 AP]
De Collectioneur, [Collection of Frans Vercoutere], Art Academy, Tielt, B
For Tanguy, SKI Reviszaal, Ghent, B
I ragazzi di via della Fucina, space Idiòt, Turin, IT
44 ideas for viadellafucina16, viadellafucina16 condominium-museum, Turin, IT
Fear in a Handful of Dust, [compiled by Stefan Serneels], Marion de Cannière, Antwerp, B
OrtungX – Im Zeichen des Goldes, Alte Mälzerei, Schwabach, DE [Cat.] (Biennial)
HISK at BAD, [Belgium Art and Design], ICC, Ghent, B (Screening)
SOLO zomerresidentie, [in collaboration with Raveel Museum], Machelen-aan de-Leie, B (Residency)
Onder Ons, Heiveldstraat 96, Ghent, B (Open studio)
Wall drawing, Auditorium AZ Alma, Eeklo, B (Booklet) (Commission)}

_{2016
Wall Drawing, l’Œil de Poisson, Quebec, CA (Solo)
Wewantosee, [curated by Shichio Minato], 21st C Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, JP [Cat.]
In love with beauty, [curated by Klaus Verscheure], Art Transfo, Zwevegem, B [Cat.]
Allegretto Festival Foundation, Exhibition during governor’s benefit evening, HISK, Ghent, B
Teach me a new language, [curated by Kruisdijk & Kuilboer], TETEM Kunstruimte, Enschede, NL
The Moving Image, HISK at Antwerp Art Weekend, De Studio Large, Antwerp, B (Screening)
TA Lärm, Begehungen No 13, Poelzig-premises, Chemnitz, DE [Cat.] (Residency)
convent 22, Autimismus.vzw, Ghent, B (Auction)}

_{2015
Nostalgic Feelings, Levy.Delval, Brussels, B (Solo)
[↳ Edition: Nostalgic Feelings, Seven Drawings Rearranged, riso A3 printed, edition of 10, 2 AP]
Land van Garage, [curated by Henk Vandekerkhove], Land van Waaslaan, Ghent, B [Cat.]
Behave, Public Art Experience, Le Fonds Belval, Esch-sur-Alzette, LU
Aabenraa Artweek, [initiative of Markus Johannes Herschbach], Aabenraa, DK [Cat.] (Biennial)
Wall drawing, De Kleine Sikkel, School of Arts – Conservatory, Ghent, B (Commission)}

_{2014
MAC International, [Finalist], [curated by Hugh Mulholland & Eoin Dara], the MAC, Belfast, UK
Refaire2, Les Chiroux and the MADmusée, Liège, B
Ilya Prigogine In Kleur, [project by Thierry Mortier], Ghent, B
[↳ Limited edition of 178, published by Thierry Mortier & Topo Copy, riso printed]
Département des Pigeons, Ghent, B (Open studio)
Art For Air, [curated by Flor Bex], Museum Bernaerts, Antwerp, B [Cat.] (Auction)
The art Brussels Colouring book, ING Lounge, Brussels, B (Auction)
Print art fair, Frans Masereel Centrum, Kasterlee, B (Fair)}

_{2013
Kunstenaar in de kijker, Kunst in huis, Ghent, B (Solo)
La Chambre, [with Elena Damiani], Elaine Levy Project, Brussels, B (Duo)
Mais elle est où, la peinture?, [curated by Stijn Maes], faculty of law – KU Leuven, B [Cat.]
Spiegelbeelden – Een bijzonder Prentenkabinet, Mado, Kortrijk, B
Young Collectors, Maison Particulière, Brussels, B
Driven by Heroes, CBK Zeeland, Middelburg, NL [Cat.]
Kortrijk Vlaandert, [curated by Hilde Van Canneyt], Broeltoren, Kortrijk, B [Cat.]
Inner Journeys, Maison Particulière, Brussels, B
Found in Translation, Chapter M, [curated by Emmanuel Lambion], Muse Program, Brussels, B
Brussels Cologne Contemporaries, Elaine Levy Project, MAD, Brussels, B (Fair)
Art Brussels 31, Elaine Levy Project, Brussels, B (Fair)}

_{2012
Plein Air, Cultural Centre de Bogaard, Sint-Truiden, B (Solo)
Der Raum im Verzug, book launch, Elaine Levy Project, Brussels, B
Plein Air#0000, stART, Window project, [Init. Monia Warnez & Johan Delcour], Wevelgem, B
Schriftuur – Scripture, [curated by Michel Dewilde], De Bond, Bruges, B
Huiselijke storingen, [compiled by Stefan Serneels], CC Het Gasthuis, Aarschot, B [Cat.]
Art’Contest, Centrale for contemporary art, Brussels, B
Elaine Levy Project in NYC, hosted by the Fragmental Museum, Long Island City, NY
Monat der Stipendiaten, [curated by Angela Lammert],Akademie der Künste, Berlin, DE
Masashi and his friends, Zebrastraat, Liedts-Meesen Foundation, Ghent, B
Benefit auction, Dhondt Dhaenens Museum, Sint-Martens-Latem, B (Auction)
Brussels Cologne Contemporaries, [with Elena Damiani], Elaine Levy Project, Cologne, DE (Fair)
Art Brussels 30, Elaine Levy Project, Brussels, B (Fair)}

_{2011
Early pictures for a past life, Elaine Levy Project, Brussels, B (Solo)
Charlie & Sabrina, Who Would Have Believed, [curated by Raimundas Malasauskas], Jeu de Paume, Paris, FR [Cat.]
[↳ Collaboration project with Audrey Cottin, Satellite 4 series. ]
Anonymously Yours, [curated by Emmanuel Lambion], Maison Gregoire, Brussels, B [Cat.]
Ondertekend, part of “All About Drawing”, Zet Foundation, Amsterdam, NL
Junge Akademie, [Fellowship], AdK on Hanseatenweg, Berlin, DE [Cat.] (Open studio)
Junge Akademie, [Fellowship], Künstlerhaus Bethanien, Berlin, DE (Open studio)
Art Brussels 29, Elaine Levy project, Brussels, B (Fair)
Her en der, [with poem of Paul Demets], Greeting card, governor André Denys, Ghent, B (Contribution)}

_{2010
26.08.06 – 25.04.07, Freespace 12, Bogarden-chapel, Bruges, B (Solo)
Thank you for Tomorrow, [curated by Jan Debbaut], De zwarte zaal, Ghent, B [Cat.]
Grote Prijs Tekenkunst Stad Ronse, CC De Brouwerij, Ronse, B
The Clifford Irving Show, [curated by Raimundas Malasauskas], Objectif Exhibition, Antwerp, B
Construction Made, Landbouwbelang [LBB], Maastricht, NL
Public Private Paintings, flags project: Mars op Oostende, Mu.Zee, Ostend, B [Cat.]
POST-IT, [initiative of Jon Åkerlind], Galleri Rostrum, Malmö, SW
When will they finally see the power of drawing, Geukens & De Vil, Antwerp, B [Cat.]
Lucht is tastbaarder dan mijn gedachte, [curated by Annemie Van Laethem], Oud-Rekem, B
Book of Brilliant Things, Elaine Levy Projects, Brussels, B
One Little Indian, [curated by Marko Stamenkovic], La Gènèrale en Manufacture, Paris, FR
Credits, [curated by A. Godycki, M. Kownacka, K. Słoboda], Wyspianski Pavilion, Cracow, PL
Found in translation, Chapter D, [curated by Emmanuel Lambion], Elaine Levy, Brussels, B
Artist in residence, Emiel van Dorenmuseum, Genk, B (Residency)
Open Studios, HISK, Ghent, B (Open studio)
Art Brussels 28, Annie Gentils Gallery, Brussels, B (Fair)
Tuin_vect.ai, Hart Artist-page, HART #62, p.24, February (Contribution)}

_{2009
Steven Baelen, Annie Gentils Gallery, Antwerp, B (Solo)
Polyfonie, [curated by Hans Martens], Watou#1, Verzamelde Verhalen, Grensland, Watou, B [Cat.]
The final opening at Hogeweg 90, Logement, Antwerp, B
Bild, [curated by Jolien De Roo & Sarah Smolders], Campo Victoria, Ghent, B
Choose one, [curated by students TeBeAc, KASK], galerij Kunstzicht, Ghent, B
De keuze van Koen van den Broek, Indian Caps, Antwerp, B [Cat.]
Open Studios, HISK, Ghent, B (Open studio)
Wall drawing, Kick Off project, Het Paleis, Groningen, NL (Commission)}

_{2008
crox 256, croxhapox, Ghent, B (Solo)
Steven Baelen – Johan Gelper, Galerie El, Welle, B (Duo)
Steven Baelen – Manor Grunewald – Vadim Vosters, [curated by Patrick Ronse], Nosbaum & Reding, Luxembourg, LU
Omgevingstekenen, [nomination], [curated by E. D’hoove], East-Flanders Culture prize, Ghent, B [Cat.]
Young Artists, [selected by Kathrin Ginsberg], Palmarium, in coll. with S.M.A.K & Univ. Ghent, B [Cat.]
In-flux, [curated by Michel Dewilde], La Machine à eau, Mons, B
Kunst op de Jaarmarkt, [curated by Stijn Maes], Wilrijk, B
crox 245, Instalraam, Hoogpoort 26, Ghent, B
40 jaar tekenwedstrijd Ronse, [curated by Jan Leconte], CC De Ververij, Ronse, B
Confrontation/Interaction, [initiative of Michiel Ceulers], Campo Victoria, Ghent, B
Expansion, [curated by Sarah Huyghe], Apollo Arthotel, Bruges, B
Kotroute Broothaers, Amusee-Vous, Ghent, B
Gaver Prize, [Honorary Mention], cc de Schakel, Waregem, B
Lineart, B-new Gallery, [selected by Hans Martens and Flor Bex], Galerie El, Ghent, B (Fair)}

_{2007
Young Artists, [selected by Dirk Pauwels], Palmarium, in coll. with S.M.A.K & Univ. Ghent, B [Cat.]
Input/Output, De Bond, Bruges, B
Atmosfeer, [curated by Veerle Van Durme], Kortrijk, B}

_{2006
Elia 9th Biennial Conference, De Bijloke [KASK], Ghent, B
Fris IV, Gallery Colle, Ghent, B
Kunst in de Burgstraat, Burgstraat 21, Ghent, B
Niet getekend, wel geschetst, [initiative of Geert Clarisse], Museum of Folk Life, Bruges, B [Cat.]
Wall Drawing I, Logement, Antwerp, B
Lineart, KASK, [curated by Wim Waelput], Ghent, B (Fair)}

_{PUBLICATIONS
2023, NICCx25 – 25 years standing up for artist’s rights, [ISBN 9789464363548], Stockmans Art Books, p.181-184
2023, Verzamelarts, [ISBN 9789464778021], Verzamelarts, Co-publicatie MER. B&L, p.54-57
2015, A Higher Institute for Fine Arts, [ISBN 9789401423991], Lannoo, HISK, p.76-77
2012, Conversaties – Conversations, 2012 – 1995, [D/2012/0546/6], stad Brugge, p.82-83
2012, Steven Baelen, Der Raum im Verzug, [ISBN 978-3-88331-189-0], AdK, Berlin, DE
2011, Charlie & Sabrina, qui l’eût cru?, [ISBN 978-2-91570-428-0], Edition du Jeu de Paume, Paris, p.53
2011, Vlaggenboek Mu.ZEE: Mars op Oostende, [ISBN 9789074694025], Mu.Zee Oostende, p.10-11
2009, Watou 2009 – Tussen Taal & Beeld, [ISBN 9789089310750], Borgerhoff & Lamberights nv, p.26
2009, Who’s Next? The Choice of, [ISBN 978-90-9024550-8], Indian Caps
2008, Omgevingstekenen, [ISBN 97-89076686-36-3], CC Caermersklooster, Ghent, p.36-45}

_{PRESS
2024, ‘2+2 en 4×1’ in De Cacaofabriek Helmond daagt toeschouwer uit, Brabant Cultureel, April [Anja van den Akker]
2020, My 8 Year Old Son Said I Should do It, locus_t_mag, Issue #6
2018, ThalieLab, un nouvel ‘incubateur’ pour l’art contemporain, The Art Newspaper Daily, p.4, April [Bernard Marcelis]
2017, Kunstenaars logeren en werken in kloosterkapel, [interview], AVS News, July
2016, 20 things to do in Belgium this weekend, The Word, December [Dorien Schelfhout]
2016, Bar du Matin, [interview], Radio 1, [Ann Rootveld]
2016, In Love With Beauty, [interview], Focus wtv News, April
2016, Muurtekening in AZ Groeninge, Artsenkrant, p.20, March [Henk Van Nieuwenhove]
2016, Die Stille nach dem Schluss, FreiePresse, August [Matthias Zwarg]
2015, Artweek slog dørene op, Jydskevestkysten, p.12, August [Bente Staugaard]
2015, Kunstner kastede skrald ud til fiskene, Jydskevestkysten, p.6, August [Steffan Axelsen]
2015, Skal belgisk kunstner tegne på din væg?, Jydskevestkysten, p.8, July [Mette Thomsen]
2015, The art throwaway project, The Word, April [Sam Steverlynck]
2015, Sofia Leiby / Steven Baelen, HART #141, p.29, May [Sam Steverlynck]
2015, Steven Baelen: Nostalgic Feelings, Agenda magazine, April [Kurt Snoekx]
2015, Master Class, Sabato, p.18-20, April [Margo Vansynghel]
2015, Tekenen vandaag, OKV, p.28, April [Hans Theys]
2015, Queeste naar het onzichtbare, Miles #16, p.42-51, March [Sammy Verhasselt]
2013, Wie steelt de show op Art Brussels?, ELLE agenda, p.70, April [Caroline Henderickx]
2013, La Chambre, This is tomorrow, April [Laura Herman]
2013, Beeld van actuele tekenkunst, PZC, P.50, August [Nico Out]
2012, Ganz in Kohle: AdK zeigt ihre Stipendiaten, Der Tagesspiegel, May [Annika Brockschmidt]
2012, Scan the artist: Steven Baelen, ISEL #42
2012, Tiktak, gesprek met Steven Baelen, [interview], Martelart, February [Willem Vandamme]
2011, Fine arts fellowship AdK, Berlin, November [Natacha von Kopp]
2011, Steven Baelen – Early Pictures for a Past Life, Victoire, p.18, October [Catherine Callico]
2011, Early Pictures for a Past Life, HART#86, p.27, September [Christine Vuegen]
2011, Collectors’ Call, Artforum, May [Cathryn Drake]
2011, Hisk-laureaten in Zwarte Zaal Gent, HART #76, p.14, January Marc Ruyters
2010, Lucht is tastbaarder dan mijn gedachte, Vrtnieuws de redactie, July [Yves Jansen]
2010, Lucht is tastbaarder dan mijn gedachte, HART #70, p.9, September [Joannes Késenne]
2010, Ik wil mijn wereld tonen in een vreemde omgeving, Het Nieuwsblad, April [Tom Deschacht]
2009, Terrein maken voor iets nieuws, HART #54, p.26, July [Isabelle De Baets]
2009, Gevleugelde poezië op ballonnen, De Volkskrant, July [Paul den Depondt]
2009, Afbreken en weer opbouwen, HART #52, p.6, June [Isabelle De Baets]
2009, Het Paleis presenteert internationale kunst, Dagblad van het Noorden, p.9, January
2009, Een fundamenteel beeldonderzoek, VMD, Vol7 nr1-2, p.109-119 [Sara Goris]
2008, We Fade to Grey, Woxx, Luxembourg, December [Christiane Walerich]
2008, Schilletjes realiteit, Brugsch Handelsblad, p.41, November [Johan Debruyne]
2008, Spelen met de omgeving, HART #37, p.12, May [Inge Braeckman]
2008, Omgevingstekenen, Provinciale prijs Beeldende Kunst 2007, Focusknack
2007, Jong en talentrijk, [reportage], AVS, August
2007, Young Artists in Gent, HART #22, p.17, May [Inge Braeckman]}

_{LECTURES & WORKSHOPS
2024, Petit Maître, Academie Mechelen, B (Artist talk)
2024, Notebooks, Academie Zwevegem, B (Lecture)
2024, Acawabla-bla-bla #05, Academie Waasmunster, B (Lecture)
2023, Heritage Day, Dr. Guislain Museum, Ghent, B (Lecture and Workshop)
2022, Project week, Design and Expo, Art high school, Bruges, B (Workshop)
2021, Notes – Residency Steven Baelen, d’Academie, Sint-Niklaas, B (Lecture)
2020, Project week, 1st Ba Drawing, LUCA | School of Arts, Ghent, B (Lecture)
2018, Horta hallway, revaluation of Mural#2, [with Gaia Carabillo], KASK, Ghent, B (Collaboration)
2017, Horizontal Drawing, Sint-Lucas, Antwerp, B (Lecture)
2015, Aabenraa Artweek, Skraenten, Aabenraa, DK (Artist talk)
2014, Kinderkunstenfabriek, for Children up to 12, C-mine, Genk, B (Workshop)
2012, Expanded drawing, 2nd & 3rd Ba Drawing, LUCA | School of Arts, Ghent, B (Workshop)
2012, The drawing Incident, 150th anniversary, LUCA | School of Arts, Ghent, B (Lecture)
2012, Schüler-Werkstätten Bildende Kunst, Pariser Platz, Passage [AdK], Berlin, DE (Workshop)
2011, Fellows’ Day at the partner school, James Krüss Primary School, Berlin, DE (Workshop)
2011, Academy Members Meeting, Akademie der Künste, Hanseatenweg, Berlin, DE (Lecture)
2010, Credits, Jagiellonian University & HISK, Wyspianski Pavilion, Cracow, PL (Panel discussion)
2009, Community art project, Match Makers, coll. between Kunst in Huis & Instand A, Ghent, B
2008, Guest lecture, [one day] 1st, 2nd & 3rd Ba Drawing, KASK, Ghent, B
2008, Guest lecture, [one day] 1st, 2nd & 3rd Ba Painting, KASK, Ghent, B}

^{STUDIES
2023, Educational master, LUCA | School of Arts, Gent, B
2010, Laureate of the Higher Institute for Fine Arts [HISK], Ghent, B
2006, Master’s Degree in Fine Arts [MFA], Painting, KASK, Ghent, B
2003, Master’s Degree in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, LUCA | School of Arts, Gent, B}

_{AWARDS & GRANTS
2021, Innovation mechanism Grant from the Flemish Community, B
2020, Emergency Fellowship, Junge Akademie, [Friends of the Akademie der Künste], Berlin, DE
2019, Laureate, III degree in the nomination Drawing, UNI Graphica, Krasnodar, RU
2017, Artist Grant from the Flemish Community, B
2016, Laureate of the Academy, Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium for Science and the Arts, Brussels, B
2014, Finalist, MAC International, Metropolitan Arts Centre [the Mac], Belfast, UK
2014, Artist Grant from the Flemish Community, B
2013, Artist Grant from the Flemish Community, B
2012, Artist Grant from the Flemish Community, B
2011, Stipendium, Junge Akademie [Akademie der Künste], Berlin, DE
2009, Artist Grant from the Flemish Community, B
2008, Honorary mention, Gaver prize, Waregem, B
2007, Nomination Award, East-Flanders Culture prize, Ghent, B
2006, Laureate, E. Borst, J. Pipyn, Ghent, B}

Characterized by a certain quiet, introspective attitude, Baelen’s ensemble of works is rich in little hidden surprises (when not almost treasures), not so easy or immediate to be recognized. His work, mainly obtained thru’ a painstakingly, quite highly patient need to do, re-do and re-work the very substance of his practice – the drawing technique – is re-invented by the employment of a complex and layered miniaturesque work based on stratification, superimposition and by means of creating sudden blank spaces (obtained by erasure) or sometimes by the deliberate inclusion (in the finalized form of the works) of unexpected black spots, patches and blotches which in turn come to assume a very well balanced sense of presence, in stark contrast with the minutely organized landscape of the grid-like or maze-like drawing surface(s).

As in its entire history – at the very same time project and process – the drawing impulse – as clearly exemplified by the unabashed intensity of Steven Baelen – isn’t located only in what the artist chooses to concentrate on (the resulting drawings) but in the pauses, blank space and the visual rhythm which in turn may result stronger than what is perceived at a first look.

^{[written by Francesco Bernardelli]}

INFO

Edwin van Onna, 2+2 en 4×1 [NL]

Marko Stamenkovic, Go, Get You Home, You Fragments! [ENG]

Hubertus von Amelunxen, Drawn Space [ENG]

Nicola Kuhn, Monat der Stipendiaten, (AdK) [ENG]

Stijn Maes, Mais elle est où, la peinture [NL]

Emmanuel Lambion, La Chambre [ENG]

Eva Kerremans, Early Pictures For A Past LIfe [ENG] [FR] [NL]

Karen Billiet, Freespace 12, Bogardenkapel Brugge [NL]

Patrick Ronse, Nosbaum & Reding Luxembourg [ENG] [FR] [NL]

Edith Doove, Omgevingstekenen [NL]