Belgian visual artist Hildegarde Handsaeme is internationally recognized for her timeless visual language, rooted in minimalist linework and the stylized female form. As a self-taught artist, she has created more than 200 works — primarily paintings and drawings — characterized by:

• Minimalist, harmonious line compositions

• Abstracted feminine figures

• A unique balance between figurative expression and geometric purity

• The refined use of acrylic and black ink on canvas or paper

Unaffected by academic trends, she has consistently followed her own path since the early 1990s.

Exhibitions (Selection)

Belgium

• Gallery Geens, Overijse (2011)

• CC De Bosuil, Overijse – Constructive Curves (2014)

• Castle of Brasschaat – group exhibition (2014)

• Artbarrel, Casino Middelkerke (2014)

• Grimbergen Kiwanis Pop-up (2014)

• CC Terlanen (2011)

• Art in Overijse (2012)

• Gallery DADA, Antwerp (2016)

• Radisson Blu Hotel, Antwerp (2016)

International

• Art Takes Times Square, Broadway, New York, USA (2012)

• Resident Magazine & Gallery Pjez Unik, New York (2018)

• The Affordable Art Fair, Brussels (2015)

• Annual Dutch Art Fair (ADAF), Amsterdam (2015)

• CODA Museum, Apeldoorn, Netherlands (2016)

• Short Term Gallery, Brussels (2014)

• Hotel Le Cinq Codet, Paris (2019)

• ART SUSPENDU, Sanary-sur-Mer, France (2019)

• Sensation Modern Fine Art Gallery, London (2011)

Publications & Media (Selection)

• Resident Magazine New York – “Redefines the Human Form” (2018)

• Atelier Magazine, issue no. 162 (2009)

• France 24 – televised coverage

• Major Belgian press: De Morgen, De Standaard, Het Laatste Nieuws, Het Nieuwsblad

• Featured on Artmajeur, Singulart, Rise Art, Artsper, Artprice, Saatchi Art, Zatista, and The Artling

• Women in Art – Masterpieces of Visual Art: Vol. 1, The Great Female Artists from the Middle Ages to the Modern Era

• Who’s Who in Belgium and international editions

• Magzoid Magazine (UAE) – “Essence of Womanhood Artistry”

• WBM Luxury Guide – Art Collecting: Listed among 30 Artists to Collect in 2021

• Titan Contemporary Publishing: Curatorial Essay (2025)

• 2025 – Featured in literary art book
  Hildegarde Handsaeme’s painting Great Desire (2015) was selected for inclusion in the art and poetry book Dag Lieve Mens – Poems with Works by Flemish Artists, published by Pedro Brugada & Jean-Paul Van Der Poorten.
  The book combines visual and literary expression from leading contemporary creators in Flanders.

Awards & Recognition

• 3rd Prize – Libr’art, Libramont (1994)

• 4th Prize – Libr’art, Libramont (1995)

• 3rd Prize – Kiezen voor Kunst (1995)

• Gold Medal & nomination – Roma Arte 2000, Rome / Vatican

• Finalist – Painting of the Year (2015)

• Artistic collaboration – Andrew Winch Design, London (2015)

• 2025 Artist profile published on Wikipedia, acknowledging her consistent body of work and international recognition.

Curatorial Reviews & Critical Recognition

Review by Quentin Métayer (Perrotin Gallery, Paris)
“Highly visual, graphically strong, and technically impressive.”

“There is a clear mastery in your line work, with fluid and technically challenging curves.
Your work is highly graphic, with pure and readable forms — something essential in black and white.
Technically very strong. Your visual universe is coherent and would pair perfectly with poetic or intellectual texts.”

Other Reviews (2023–2025)

• Reviewed by curators via Artavita, Titan Publishing, and others

• Positive feedback on consistency, harmony, and minimalist strength

• Recognized for a distinctive and poetic visual identity

• Notable reviews include Sandra Heuts and others

Professional Choices (2020–present)

• No longer participating in art prizes requiring entry fees or artist contributions

• No longer exhibiting in commercial galleries with high participation costs

• Focused on international visibility via curated online platforms and direct collector outreach

Collections & Curatorial Recognition

Hildegarde Handsaeme’s work has been recognized and prominently featured by renowned international curatorial collectives, reflecting her lasting impact and appeal in the global art scene.

• 2025 – Dickerson Collective, Los Angeles (USA) – An early large-scale work (120 x 100 cm) was acquired and prominently featured by this renowned curatorial collective, praised as “a gem of a piece.”

Private Collections

Hildegarde Handsaeme’s works are held in private collections in:

• Belgium

• The Netherlands

• Germany

• France

• Spain

• Switzerland

• United States

• Hong Kong

• South Korea

• Japan

• Autralia

• Austria

✨ For inquiries, collaborations, or to explore available works, please visit the contact section or subscribe to the newsletter.