Recently, The Extravagant was given the exclusive privilege of interviewing Angelique de Limburg Stirum on her passion for artistic expression through portraiture. The young Belgian artist and former model is currently developing a unique take on modern portraiture.
The daughter of the Count and Countess of Limburg Stirum is proving to be an innovator in a world where capturing human likeness on canvas is becoming increasingly underrated. Read on to see how Angelique’s own artistic ability has been shaped by her family’s many generations of talented collectors and artists.
Tell us about how you first became interested in art, and what initially attracted you to the human form and visual art in particular?
“I come from a lineage of artists, so in a way I inherited an interest and an affinity for artistic expression. These interests were further magnified by being surrounded by art. My grandmother, Princesse Hélène d’Orleans, is an amazing painter and also composes classical music. Since I was nine, I roamed around her atelier, which was a sort of magical safe haven, where she taught me how to paint and draw.
When I was little and first started making art, all I wanted to do was paint portraits. My grandmother refused to teach me portraiture and insisted that I first learn the basics of painting through inanimate objects. Although at the time I remember feeling extremely frustrated, I am now grateful to her because she understood the complexity and skills necessary for capturing the human form in a worthwhile way.
Besides, I realise now that being dyslexic has played a big role in being attracted to [create] visual art. It has always been easier for me to express myself with images than it has been with words. I also have synesthesia which means that I perceive sounds, smells and tastes as inherently coloured.“
In a few words how would you personally describe your work?
“My work is very varied right now. I am trying out many different styles and ways of working. But you can usually recognize my big brushstrokes in all of my paintings.
My art is mostly figurative and the human form is one of my main interests.
The common thread in my paintings is my unquenched thirst for beauty and harmony.
My creativity is my vital energy. I embody this energy in vibrant colours in order to exist.
My paintings and drawings follow a certain cycle. You can read my energy frequency through my art: It goes from periods of big sobriety and very limited pallets of colours, to periods of explosion and a very vibrant colour palette.“
You’re currently studying at the Royal Academy Antwerp; with that said, what in particular attracted you to the Royal Academy?
“Before going completely [into] the arts I thought it would be useful to have a degree in business in order to be able to manage my own career.
After getting my bachelor in business management, I wanted to know more about the history of art. So I continued studying. But this time, I did it in evening school for two years combining it with my work as an artist in my own atelier during daytime. How I loved to be completely free artistically!
Although, after a while, I felt like I needed some guidance to take my art to the next level. I required some extra technical abilities and knowledge. Going back to school felt like the right thing to do. Finally I was going to study [what] I was born to do: painting.
The academy of Antwerp, is one of the only schools that still offers a kind of academic way of teaching, all the while giving us the freedom to explore. Huge spaces, [massive] windows, inspiring teachers, small groups, [as well as] space and time to discover oneself. The right place for me.“
Describe a day in the life of Angelique de Limburg Stirum.
“I wake up quite early and have a little ritual to start of my day: short meditation, cold shower, healthy breakfast and … off to school. Most of my days are spent at the academy right now.
At night I work in a bar near the school. It is very pleasant as many students and teachers come and have a drink there. I find it to be a nice way to disconnect from painting. Plus I get to meet and talk to many different people, which is always a source of inspiration and inner richness.“
Do you believe that being based in Antwerp has affected your work? If so, how?
“Actually it’s not the city but the the academy which has affected my work. It has helped me [to] broaden my horizons and see all the different directions my art is able to go. This is such an exciting time for me. I am constantly being challenged and encouraged to question my own creations. Being surrounded by so many creative people is so stimulating and inspiring!“
Although your career is just beginning, which of your pieces do you believe defines your work best?
“As I said before I work in cycles and different periods, so I can only answer this question to what defines what I make right now.
And currently I am creating portraits, interior scenes and still lives. The common feature between these different works is the colourful intimacy of everyday life or the soul of the characters I portray.
Take the portrait of my friend Guilia for example. It’s not exact copy, but rather an interpretation of her ‘being’. I capture the moment we shared. It is a glance in the intimacy of a privileged moment of daily life.“
Where to next?
“There are so many different mediums that I would like to explore! Sculpture, ceramics, photography…. Give me more hours in one day, more days in a year ; – )“
Where can we follow you?
“You can follow me on Instagram: angeliquedelimburg“
Image credit: Sarah Kirchner
