EVELYNE Axell is a rare European representative of the vibrant movement known as Pop Art. Hailing from a middle-class background, she received a catholic education from the esteemed Institut des dames de Marie. However, this would later fuel her lifelong disdain for Christian morality. In 1953, she honed her skills in ceramics at the Namur School of Art, before shifting her focus to drama school in Brussels. It was not until 1963 that she abandoned her acting career to fully immerse herself in the world of painting, finding inspiration in the works of renowned artist Magritte. Drawing influence from the buzzing art scene of 1960s New York, including iconic names such as Jim Dine, Andy Warhol, and Marisol, she delved into Pop Art and embraced experimentation with unconventional plastic materials. This edgy approach involved cutting and layering, creating captivating effects of depth and transparency. Axell’s art was undoubtedly shaped by the tumultuous political and social events of the era, such as the Vietnam War, the Black Panthers movement, and most significantly, the sexual liberation of women.
www.ftn-books.com has the Snoeck Ducaju book on Axell now available.
