Roger Raveel: Retrospection

An extensive retrospective dedicated to Roger Raveel (1921‑2013), one of the most important Belgian painters of the second half of the 20th century

Commemorating the centenary of the artist’s birth in 2021, the Centre for Fine Arts – BOZAR will present an extensive retrospective dedicated to Roger Raveel (1921‑2013), considered one of the most important Belgian painters of the second half of the twentieth century. While belonging to the generation of artists that emerged following the Second World War, flanked by Magritte and Panamarenko, Raveel radically defended his own independence from the values commonly associated with this generation, notably the supposed superiority of internationality over all forms of local anchorage. In today’s context of globalized art and its associated stereotypes, Raveel’s choice to draw inspiration from his immediate, intimate surroundings—while always being very well informed about trends in the international art scene—now seems revolutionary, even prophetic. 

Showcasing some 120 artworks from public and private collections, this catalogue seeks to demonstrate the singularity of Raveel’s pictorial language as it took form over time.