Simoens is a vivid figurative artist who draws a lot of inspiration from her African roots. Bright colors and the celebration of black bodies in a society free of the white gaze are major themes in her work. Using warmth and gentleness, she draws on both recent events and memories from her youth.
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and your background as an artist?
I’m Belgian-Congolese, born in Burundi, grew up in Belgium and currently based in Johannesburg.
I gave fine arts a try after high school, but quit after a year and a half. So I consider myself mostly self taught.
What first sparked your interest in painting, and how did you begin developing your skills as an artist?
I’ve been creative and into art for as long as I can remember. My dad made it a priority to make sure me and my siblings grew up with a wide cultural education. But until about 5-6 years ago I disliked painting so much. I was mostly drown to graphic design and photography. But then I started painting these small illustrations that developed into the pieces I’m creating now. As a form of self therapy.
What are your primary sources of inspiration for your work?
Childhood memories and everyday life, but mostly everyday life.
Can you discuss the meaning or message behind your most recent collection of paintings?
My overall aspiration is for Black people to feel seen and spreading Black joy. The main reason behind my practise was self therapy at first, holding up a mirror to myself. Now, I feel like it’s me holding up a mirror for other Black bodies.
Image courtesy of Artsy
What is your process like when creating a new piece of art?
I’ll start with a concept, do a bit of research and immediately start on canvas. Letting things evolve whilst creating. It hardly happens that I make drawings before starting a piece, because I’m afraid I’ll loose the feeling or momentum.
What do you hope viewers take away from your work?
Joy and a sense of home or belonging that they didn’t know they missed or needed before.
Are there any upcoming exhibitions or projects that you are particularly excited about?
The past two years have been very busy for me, so I took this year to take things a bit more slow and focus on myself. But I’m currently working on two solo exhibitions for 2023.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face as an artist, and how do you overcome them?
Staying true to myself, as a person and an artist. Blocking out the noise and not focusing on what people expect me to make. But focus on what I love to make.
Can you talk about the role of color in your work and how you use it to create specific moods or effects?
Most of my choses come naturally, and whilst creating. I’m only able to work when I’m either extremely happy or extremely sad. Anything in between, I tend to mess up what I’m trying to work on. So the colours are definitely connected to how I’m feeling, but all of it happens unconsciously.
How do you stay motivated and focused on your art, especially when faced with creative blocks or challenges?
By taking enough time to rest and reset. Solitude really works for me, even if it’s just a short walk in nature.
Can you discuss any specific techniques or approaches you use to create texture or depth in your paintings?
I apply thick layers to create textures in the background, like trees or houses or clouds. And slightly see-through clothing on my figures. Most of the times, I’ll paint my whole figures ‘naked’ then dress them as I move further into my process.
Are there any artists who have particularly influenced your work, and if so, how?
I’d say David Hockney or Paul Gauguin, because of their beautiful use of colours. And portraits by photographers like Seydou Keïta and Sanlé sory.
Being from dual heritage, do you think that has made an influence in your process? If so, how?
I experience the world as a Black woman, but growing up and living in Europe most of my life definitely also had an influence on who I am as a person today. But I wouldn’t say my dual heritage is very visible when looking at my work, so no.
Image courtesy of Artsy
What do you see as the future of your art, and what goals do you have for yourself as an artist?
I’m a perfectionist and I tend to get disappointed with myself if I set too many goals for myself. I’m grateful I get to do what I love for a living, and I’d like to keep doing so for as long as possible. That’s it.
But there are a few art fairs where I’d like to showcase my work in the coming years and specific places in the world as well.
What are you looking forward to in 2023, in turn that we your supporters will be looking out for?
I’ve been experimenting with other mediums, making small sculptures, which I would love to start showing. And I’m really excited about the concepts I’ve worked out for my coming shows. 2023 will be a great year!
You can find Bahati on her website at https://bahatisimoens.com.
