Contest 13– Winner Interview – Wim Heldens

Interviewed by - Pragati Surana https://www.instagram.com/pragatisurana.ch/

What has contributed to your growth as an artist.

Luckily I have had good friends  all my life who supported me because they believe in me, even in times  when there was no appreciation for, or interest in my work.

They are the ones who encouraged me to go on and develop as an artist.

It's this human connection that has kept me going and is the source and inspiration in my work.

What was the inspiration behind this work?

I have always wanted to use my talent to elevate people in my work, to make marginalized people who are so often overlooked )or even branded as scapegoats) visible in my paintings and to express their dignity, importance and soul.

Musanje, who poses here as a king ,is my adopted son and my muse, he is a queer refugee from Uganda.

I wanted to show his pride, his strength  and humanity, in spite of his vulnerability as a refugee.

I also wanted to express that anybody can be a king or a queen, just put a crown on their heads and keep repeating that they are really important. History is full of examples.

The crown and scepter I got from a party/carnival store, my good friend Marcel is playing the part of the bishop.

If you could buy an artwork by another artist, which one would it be and why?

Online I have discovered a young artist from Nigeria: Okoye Chukwuemeka John. He is extremely talented and his paintings touch me deeply. Besides his amazing painting skills, he has the talent to paint people's souls and you can feel it through his paintings.

Another young artist I admire is Douglas Mutebi, he is from Uganda and makes amazing drawings in ballpoint; he has deep meaningful expression in his work.

What are your plans for the future?

At 72, I do not make plans for the future, anymore. But I deeply believe in what I do, and I believe my talent comes with a vocation to use it for good and to uplift people....I want to persevere  for as long as I am capable.

I am not very focused on technology, other than that I find it convenient when  I can use it as a tool sometimes. I am very practical that way.