Ingrid Paulussen, a Belgian artist born with a passion for portraiture, has spent 25 years developing her craft and pushing the boundaries of traditional painting. Her latest works blend influences from Picasso, Matisse, and Mondrian, creating a unique style that integrates the freedom of Picasso, the layered “cut-outs” of Matisse, and the structured geometric forms of Mondrian. These influences come together to form the basis of her signature three-dimensional portraits, which blur the line between painting and sculpture.
Ingrid’s creative process revolves around the use of paper, a medium she describes as liberating and enriching. By layering paper over her painted portraits, she adds depth and complexity, symbolizing both the physical and emotional layers of her subjects. Characteristic of her work is the paper line that runs through the face of each portrait, an ode to Matisse and a symbol of symmetry, beauty, and the fleeting nature of life. This “paper skin” introduces a sculptural quality to her work, turning traditional portraiture into a tactile, three-dimensional experience.
Her art is deeply personal, reflecting her own journey into the discovery of femininity. Having found a sense of womanhood later in life, Ingrid brings a heightened awareness of the strength, vulnerability, and mysticism of women into her work. Her portraits explore questions of identity, offering a visual reflection of who we are and what we choose to convey. This results in artworks that balance between figuration and abstraction, inviting viewers to peel back the layers of each subject and engage with their inner essence.
Ingrid’s most recent exhibition, Layered Balance, is a reflection of her lifelong exploration of balance, influenced by her connection with nature and her fascination with harmony. The exhibition showcases large, powerful portraits that celebrate the beauty of femininity while drawing clear connections between the natural world and the complexities of womanhood. With every piece, Ingrid invites the viewer into a personal, emotional dialogue, where the layers of life and identity unfold.
Paulussen’s works continue to captivate audiences, offering a bridge between the past and present, between art and life, and between the physical and emotional realms. Through her innovative use of materials and her exploration of influential art movements, she creates a space where beauty, femininity, and reflection meet.