Belgian surrealist painter Olivier Lamboray was born in Ixelles in 1968.
Internationally renowned and winner of several awards, he has exhibited all over the world: Belgium,
New York, Monaco, Venice, Germany, Sydney, Rome, London, Paris, Bangkok, Amsterdam,
Bali and in Conakry, Guinea.
He currently lives in Germany after spending some twenty years in Indonesia.
Nourished by this place, his paintings bring Belgian surrealism back to life in his own way: blue, dreamy, poetic, positive, symbolic, intoxicating.
Often compared to Magritte and Delvaux, his work shares the same themes and inspiration
and inspiration: love and celebration of the beauty of our country and its architecture.
Classically educated, he studied mathematics at U.L.B., then moved into advertising design, which he soon abandoned, uncomfortable with the commercial aspect of the profession. He began painting in 1992, and made it his raison d'être.
Far from being in vain, his scientific studies have given him a rigorous, calculated and precise approach. In his work, we find a meticulous rendering of detail, a perfection of light and shadow so dear to the great Belgian surrealists, an allegory of mystery and atmosphere, a journey that takes us into a world where dreams enchant and the heart blossoms.
"Painting is my journey" might be the best way to describe him.
Surrealism is at the heart of Belgian culture, and from an early age he has been fascinated by the magical feeling of the surrealist dream. In his work, we find elements that are dear to our country: streetcars, train stations, the gleaming cobblestones of Brussels, art nouveau, Horta facades - all elements that highlight our cultural and architectural heritage.
Faced with climate change that is coming full steam ahead and a sea that is taking on very different proportions, his trains find themselves with their feet in the water, a reflection on the new choices we are offered, a vision of hope, respect and ever-greater love for the Life that so generously nourishes us.
A surreal work that reflects a very real present...
More recently, he exhibited at the Venice Art Biennale (2022), invited by the European Cultural Center, and a retrospective was held at the Musée d'Art de Tours in France, in the prestigious Hôtel Goüin, with over 60 canvases retracing his work, and 35,682 visitors over a 5-month exhibition period.