Our editor connected with Virginie Vandeputte at The Biennale of Women In Art in Chelsea in September 2024. An important exhibition that celebrates the diverse talents of female artist who have transcended geographical and cultural limits to create works that resonate on a global scale.
The occasion was designed to build upon existing efforts worldwide that strive for more balanced gender representation in the art realm and this was developed to reinforce the momentum of this movement, providing a platform to showcase the creative ingenuity, unique perspectives, and shared humanity of a global collection of female artists.
We were so impressed by her remarkable work and decided to collaborate with her. We are excited to finally sit down with Virginie and share her creative journey with you.
Can you tell us about your background and how you started
For the longest time of my life, I lived in Bruges, where I was surrounded by the medieval architecture and the Flemish art of the city. Ever since I was a toddler, I used to go to the local museums with my parents. It is through these early experiences that I got immediately fascinated with the Old Masters.
Moreover, I became interested in old paintings as well as architecture, antique furniture and eventually an overall interest in knowledge with regards to the old techniques and craftmanship. From the age of 6 years old, I started going to arts classes at the art school in Bruges. Some time later at the age of 12, I used my school holidays to take courses in and outside Belgium. Ultimately, it was through all these different activities that I gradually got into the profession of art- and glass painting.
At the age of 17, I started on my 6-year professional education: Firstly, old painting techniques from the 14th to 19th century at the Academy for Art and Craft at Nijmegen, the Netherlands in the ‘Naer de nature studio’ Secondly, 17th century painting techniques in the style of Rembrandt at the Florence Academy of Art (2016-2019) in Firenze, Italy Finally, glass- and lead panting at Centre International du Vitrail at Chartres in France (2020)
What inspired you to pursue art professionally, and were there any key moments that influenced that decision?
Since I have always been naturally drawn to art, and I have been drawing and painting constantly since my early childhood, this was the most ‘natural’ thing for me to do.
I have never had a ‘moment’ in which I asked myself whether I wanted to do this professionally, I rolled from one thing to another, it seemed obvious to me that I wanted to fill my life with this. I have never really asked myself any questions about it, nor about what else I would like to do.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in the art world, and how have you navigated those obstacles?
As a woman it is sometimes difficult to be taken serious, but I do think that his is a problem for many young people in general. It is all the common to make the connection between knowledge and age, but that couldn’t be more wrong.
How would you describe your artistic evolution? Has your work changed over time, and if so, how?
I am only 28 years old, so I have a whole career ahead of me. Firstly, I want to progress further away from academics. Having an artistic vision which is constantly moving whenever you are creative. I already have come to the realisation you will never be content with what you have created, and every time I do think that the next piece will be better than the last one. It keeps me on my toes.
When I initially left the Academy, I was not combining all the techniques which I learned. It is only in these last two years that I fully committed to combine my realistic painting- and glass painting and email painting pieces. My goal in the long run is to create ‘total pieces of art’ which is interdisciplinary and ideally integrated in architectural spaces.
Creative Process & Inspiration:
Where do you find inspiration for your work? Are there specific themes, experiences, or cultural influences that you consistently explore?
As I previously mentioned, growing up in Bruges, I got inspired y the cathedrals, churches, the gothic architecture. The spirituality and beauty that comes off my surroundings keeps on inspiring to make more art.
Whenever I enter one of these buildings, I get the feeling that the world and time on the outside stand still and that you come into contact with something larger than ones daily routine. Also, it makes you wonder how these architectural miracles were built.
Symbolism and the Golden Age (19th century) in painting and glass painting are a big inspiration as well. The glass studios of Tiffany, John La Farge; the designs made by Mucha for the windows of the cathedral from Saint-Vitus in Prague fascinate me endlessly.
What has been the most rewarding moment of your artistic career so far?
The reveal of my first big project consisting of stained glass and painting art in London. After 11 months of tirelessly working, this moment was a big milestone for all my future work which intend to create.
Are there any upcoming projects or exhibitions that you’re particularly excited about?
Currently, I have a few long-term projects that I’m working on at the moment, but I can’t say too much about them at the moment.
How do you hope to evolve as an artist in the next five to ten years?
Within the next 5 years I hope to make a few more major projects of significance that will further highlight the fusion of all these styles. I would like to install this in architectural spaces where it can come into its own.
Personal Reflections:
What’s one lesson you’ve learned from being an artist that has shaped the way you approach both art and life?
Never say never. The only thing that you can control is the work which you create. Knowing that the way your career takes can and probably will have many surprises planned ahead. It is an adventure, that is what life should be all about. As far as we know, you only get one shot at this.
What advice would you give to emerging women artists who are trying to carve out a space for themselves in the art world?
Do your own thing. Don’t look around to others or trends, just be sure to be authentic, even though it might not be relevant with the larger audience. Take your time, if you have high standards, patience is key as making good works of art will take time. Quality will always persevere. That is the advice I give to anyone. Rome was never built in one day.
What keeps you grounded?
It is because I am surrounded by a warm family and some really good friends. Flemish people are known to be very modest people. As the saying goes back home, ‘With your feet in the Flemish cobbles’.
How do you see the future of women in the arts, and what role do you hope to play in shaping it?
It is good that there is more visibility and opportunity given to women in the art world; but in an ideal world people should be selected on their capacities and the quality of their work, that way we should not even have to speak about man vs woman in the art world. It would be nice to create art of meaning which could play a role in that sense. Hopefully I can contribute to that.
Inspiring Woman
We are thrilled to launch a new series celebrating the incredible women who are making a lasting impact in their respective fields and communities. Each of these women has a unique story, marked by resilience, passion, and the drive to challenge the status quo. From trailblazers in business, art, fashion, beauty and science to activists and leaders, these inspiring women are paving the way for future generations.
Through their journeys, they are not just breaking barriers — they are rewriting the narrative of what’s possible. Join us as we highlight their achievements, celebrate their struggles, and share the lessons that can empower us all to take bold steps toward creating a better, more inclusive world.
What inspires us about Virginie
Virginie‘s art is a radiant celebration of artistic vision and emotional resonance, where creativity takes form through stunning visual expressions. Her work captures the explores the beauty of human experience, often characterised by vibrant colours, abstract forms and evocative storytelling.
She has a warm spirit that has allowed her work to transcend traditional boundaries and the conventional, offering a unique perspective that speaks to the soul. With each piece, Virginie invites viewers into a world of depth, meaning, and boundless imagination.
Her work is a powerful reminder of art’s ability to connect, uplift, and transform.
You might be inspired by our Women To Watch.
