Roger Remaut: A Journey in Art
“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” — Edgar Degas
Roger Remaut, also known as Rogier Remaut, has travelled a remarkable path in the art world, driven by his passion and perseverance. Born in 1942 in the harbour town of Ostend, Belgium, Roger’s early fascination with the sea and the passing sailors inspired his first sketches at just six years old. This early glimpse of artistic talent would eventually shape his career, though not without detours along the way.
Early Life and First Inspirations
Roger's story begins in occupied Belgium during World War II. He was named after his father’s friend, a fellow resistance fighter, who was captured, tortured and killed by the SS. The French spelling of his name was forbidden, so officially, he became Rogier. The war cast a shadow over his early childhood, with Roger and his father hiding in his grandfather’s dingy basement to evade capture, while his mother worked to support the family. He sometimes wonders if his palette of muted colours was influenced by his gloomy surroundings.
Occupied Ostend during WWII
At 13, Roger’s artistic talent was already shining through. He attended art school, where his ability to rapidly capture sketches earned him recognition with a prize for quick sketching and a feature in the local newspaper. However, life took a different turn as he followed the family tradition of fishing. Roger’s first stormy voyage as a ship’s boy to Iceland was his last. He found that fishing, unlike the long line of Remaut’s before him, wasn't his calling. Seasick and disillusioned, he decided to seek a new path.
A New Beginning in Art
After leaving the fishing life, Roger transitioned into the hospitality industry, attending hotel school and eventually managing the lively Shamrock Café in Ostend. However, at the age of 28, he woke up one day, paused to reflect on his life, and asked himself, "What now?" In that moment of clarity, he answered aloud, "I'm good at drawing. I'm going to be an artist." This decision marked a turning point. He adopted a teetotal lifestyle and returned to his true passion—art. Drawing had always been a constant in his life, and this realisation motivated him to pursue art professionally.
Roger Remaut studying under Maurice Boel
Roger Remaut re-enrolled in art school in Ostend, studying under esteemed artists like Maurice Boel, Gustaf Sorel, and Willy Bosschem. His commitment was so deep that even after completing his four year course of studies, he continued to attend classes as an unofficial student for four more years. He later expanded his education at the academies of Bruges and Koksijde, mastering painting techniques whilst immersing himself in Europe’s art culture, visiting museums and engaging with Ostend’s vibrant artistic community.
Development of His Artistic Style
While Roger initially focused on portraiture, his style evolved, and he gravitated towards abstract art. He began his career working with oil paints, but after developing an allergy, he switched to acrylics, which became his preferred medium. Experimenting with mixed media, he introduced elements like sand, gravel, ash, shells, wood, and fabric into his paintings. These materials brought texture and depth, shaping his distinctive abstract style with its matte finish and evocative compositions. His early works were largely monochromatic, while later pieces embraced more colour.
Portrait of Francine D. by Roger Remaut
Recognition and Success
Roger's career gained momentum when he participated in a group exhibition for young artists in Nieuwpoort, where he sold his first piece—a charcoal sketch of a building under construction—to an architect. This first sale was a significant confidence boost, affirming his decision to pursue art.
His first major exhibition at Galerie de Peperbusse in Ostend, where he exhibited alongside his brother Pierre, attracted considerable attention. The contrast between Pierre’s figurative art and Roger’s abstract work highlighted his distinctive approach. From there, Roger Remaut's reputation grew as he entered numerous competitions, winning acclaim both in Belgium and abroad. His work was featured in prestigious contests like the Gaverprijs and the Hoppeprijs and exhibited across the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Great Britain, and Germany.
Roger and Pierre Remaut's first major exhibition
A career highlight was participating in the Artists from the Coast exhibition at Group 2 Gallery in Brussels. There, he exhibited alongside Belgian art legends like James Ensor, Léon Spilliaert, and Constant Permeke—an honour that solidified his place within the art world.
Influences and Inspirations
Throughout his journey, Roger Remaut has drawn inspiration from various artists. Spanish abstract artist Antoni Tàpies significantly influenced him after he attended a Tàpies exhibition in Brussels in 1985. To his surprise, few people were present. He wandered through the empty gallery, admiring the boldness of Tàpies' technique and even inspected the backs of the paintings, wanting to know how they were constructed and finding they were held together with huge nails and planks of wood—an innovative approach that left a deep impression on him. Seeing the works of Tàpies gave him the courage to further develop his abstract works into his own unique style.
Homage to Rothko by Roger Remaut
Roger was also deeply moved by the work of Mark Rothko. After seeing Rothko’s work at the Tate Gallery, he described it as a spiritual experience, inspiring him to create his own tribute piece, Homage to Rothko. The emotional depth of Rothko’s minimalist colour fields resonated with Roger’s abstract compositions. He also admired the raw energy of Jean-Michel Basquiat and incorporated graffiti elements into his later works.
An International Artistic Journey
Roger Remaut’s artistic journey has taken him far beyond Belgium. His work has been shown throughout Europe, and he spent three years living in England before moving to Portugal, where he continues to paint today at the age of 82. Every day, Roger finds inspiration in the world around him—from graffiti-covered walls to the changing colours of grapevine leaves. His passion for art remains undiminished, as he constantly seeks out new ideas and materials to bring his visions to life.
Legacy and Impact
From sketching sailors in Ostend as a young boy to becoming an internationally recognised abstract artist, Roger Remaut’s life is a testament to his unwavering dedication to art. His works, which often transform everyday materials into thought-provoking pieces, continue to captivate audiences around the world. His journey serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of artistic expression and the transformative nature of creativity.
Roger (Rogier) Remaut’s name has become synonymous with innovation in abstract art, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
