Jan De Winter (1936-2020)
Painter, draughtsman, graphic artist, cartoonist, set and costume designer
Jan De Winter, who always loved to draw, begins an apprenticeship with a woodcarver in 1949, at the age of 13.
A year later, he enrolls at the academy in Mechelen. His training is interrupted by his army service and is not resumed until 1963, after his marriage.
He then continues his training at the Higher Institute of Fine Arts in Antwerp.
In 1968 he is awarded the Young Flemish Painter Prize, in 1972 the important Koopal Prize and in 1973 the Provincial Prize for Plastic Arts of the Province of Antwerp.
For several years he works as a teacher of drawing, colour and composition in Molenbeek.
As an artist, he stands for freedom and social criticism. He is the figurehead of the provo movement in Mechelen and, inspired by what was happening in Amsterdam, using his brush to fight against the petty bourgeoisie, authority and power.
His works, often large formats in which initially the umbilical cord appears frequently and prominently, are characterised by the presence of numerous often chubby personnages. Sex and eroticism also play an important role.
In his later works, there is only room for one or two figures. The formats are smaller.
Jan De Winter is also a successful cartoonist who has won prizes at the Knokke, Kruishoutem and Tongeren festivals,...
