PAULA RAIGLOT

20 YEARS A THEMATIC TIMELINE

Paula RAIGLOT is defined not only by her upbringing in Brussels, a cosmopolitan and European city, but also by her actions, her work. Are you Awake! is her credo to raise awareness of current issues. Just like the capital city Paula RAIGLOT expresses her art in a multidisciplinary form. Attached to her country, Belgium, she is aware that society is constantly evolving and seeks its balance. It is through her art, her sensitivity, her energy and her desire to raise awareness to provoke change that Paula RAIGLOT demonstrates artistic energy..

• In 2005, Paula RAIGLOT began her exploration of abstract painting. "Verne," which explores themes related to Jules Verne, and "Bridge" are two selections from her early work.

• In 2006, she created "St. Exupéry," an abstract piece inspired by the architectural style of Santiago Calatrava, followed by "Galaxy," in which she investigated the concepts of death and the afterlife.

• The year 2007 saw the creation of "Hand Games - Belgitude," introducing the concept of the duality of human nature. Another work from that year, titled "Vision," emphasizes the significance of the gaze, highlighting the notion that the eyes are the mirror of the soul. The eyes have become part of her vernacular as a portrait artist.

• In 2008, RAIGLOT continued focusing on the interplay between black and white while examining materiality through geometry. Monochrome I & II represent techniques involving the evolution of color toward monochrome.

• In 2009, she created "Thera," a piece set in the Cycladic Period, representing humanity beyond gender distinctions. Another work, "Cratos," questions the historic significance behind the number 9, symbolizing the conclusion of one cycle and the commencement of another.

• Here we begin to see a transition to portraiture with "Lisa," capturing figurative impressions without the details of an exact likeness.

• By 2011, the artist shifted gears toward a more figurative focus and created "Reading Women Are Dangerous." This series conveys a profound message through the medium of portraiture. "The Bodies” serves as a focal point of the 2011 collection of a woman's place in the world.

• "The Belgious" honours the extraordinary contributions of Belgians to history by preparing 100 portraits of famous Belgians for the country’s bicentennial in 2030.

• Raiglograms "ARE YOU AWAKE?" series represents a compelling artistic inquiry into the inherent questions of love, spirituality, humanity, politics, the relationship between man and woman, and between life and death.

• In 2015 and 2016, she responded to the terrorist attacks by reflecting upon the societal impact of these events through her artistic expression. RAIGLOT was particularly traumatized by the events.

• In 2018, "Trilogia" was a collaborative series centered around fashion, employing the essence of her Raiglograms "ARE YOU AWAKE?" series in wearable pieces. 

• The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 prompted her to explore three-dimensional art using bronze and Linotype. This work led her to win the ART IN THE STREET competition organized by Brussels Major Events. Her monument, titled "ARE YOU AWAKE?", is located at Petit Sablon and encourages passersby to reflect on the state of the world and consider what actions they can take to make a difference.

• In 2021, a commissioned work for the Lemmerling Bauhaus project marked the inception of a new series focusing on "Balance of the World" and thematic explorations, including pieces such as "Coming Out," "Blast," "Breath," and "Target."

• This overview provides insights into the evolution of RAIGLOT's art and her thematic explorations. Throughout the past 20 years, she has continued her focus as a portrait artist.