Julie Loeckx is ‘hot’: exhibitions in Antwerp, Knokke and Ghent, painted nude models, carpets and art book (Antwerp)

On Ascension Day, Julie Loeckx opened her first solo exhibition in the Nassau42 art gallery, directly opposite the MAS in Antwerp on the Eilandje. The artist has provided fourteen colorful, abstract works for this purpose.

“The preparation was very intense,” says a relieved, proud and busy woman who also prepared the birthday party for daughter Charlie.

But the artist looks at the result with satisfaction and expects positive reactions. “My stock is completely exhausted, I have nothing left. So if fans want to score a work, they should come to the gallery on Nassaustraat,” advises the self-made artist.

The fact that the artist is gaining more and more prestige is evident from the waiting list that continues to grow. “Fans often prefer a custom work where they can choose the dimensions, colors and style themselves. Although they currently have to be patient until the end of this year,” Julie illustrates that she is doing well.

From July 1, her works will also be on display at Art22 Gallery on the sea wall in Knokke-Zoute. From September 1, they will move again to Charline Kervyn’s gallery in Voldersstraat in Ghent.

Nude models

A few years ago, after twenty years of working professionally as an urban planner and landscape architect – including for the city of Antwerp – Julie Loeckx completely changed course. She threw herself completely into her real passion: painting. She started with portraits and later switched to abstract works.

Instagram helped the artist, who boasts 30,000 followers, grow and break through. Julie Loeckx: Thanks to social media, the collaboration with top photographer Eric Ceccarini also came about. He is known worldwide for his photos of nude models painted by artists: Painters Project.

“Given that Eric was faced with a waiting list of more than a hundred artists and out of nowhere put me at the top of the list, I considered it a great honor,” says Julie. She flew to Ibiza in October to work on the project and paint three models. The photos now hang in galleries in Spa, Galerie Paul Janssen in Saint-Tropez, New York and soon also at Leonhard’s Gallery in Antwerp. On May 16, the works will be on display at the Fastest Fashion Show, one of Flanders’ most exclusive events that takes place in the AED Studios in Lint.

Rik Ruebens

Julie Loeckx was also approached by Kathleen Geysen of carpet specialist store Ancerugs with the request to launch a rug in the artist’s typical style. Julie Loeckx: “I immediately agreed,” says Julie. The result is a carpet called ‘Roger’, which was developed in eight color combinations.

Interior icon Rik Ruebens immediately fell for the unique style, whimsical shape, the lines and the drawing of Julie’s creation. The carpets will be available exclusively from RR Interieur itself on Natiënlaan in Knokke from this summer. They will be launched in the RR Corner on Kustlaan during the ‘Belgian Talents’ weekend that takes place from August 15 to 18. There, artist Julie Loeckx, together with jewelery designer Dries Criel and interior and product designer Bieke Casteleyn, are put in the spotlight.

Wout Bru

As if all this were not enough, Julie Loeckx will soon also publish her own art book. “The initial intention is to create an inspiring coffee table book. My works often hang in beautiful interiors. In the book, the works will be displayed in the interior,” the artist explains the concept. “The reader also receives a brief overview of the journey I have taken so far.”

Julie’s abstract works are also very popular with top chef Wout Bru. After a first work for his new home in Schilde, he promptly ordered a second work. “It is of course a great honor when strong, tasteful people fall for your work,” the artist laughs. Julie Loeckx previously made abstract works for Kim Van Oncen and Celine Van Ouytsel. Before that, the artist made portraits for various celebrities, the first of which was Anouk Matton, the wife of Dimitri Vegas.

Julie Loeckx, temporary exhibition at Nassau 42, Nassaustraat 43 in Antwerp and permanent Gallery, Kerkstraat 3A in ‘s-Gravenwezel. www.julieloeckx.com