At home with Kevin Douillez | Season 3 - Episode 4

- Hello Kevin, could you introduce yourself?

A self-taught visual artist, my name is Kevin Douillez, born in July 1990. For several years now, I've been building a coherent narrative in dialogue with matter. I live and work in the south of Brussels.

Since childhood, I've always had a taste for earth, and it's in the vehemence of gesture that I tame my inner impulses. As an accomplice of the material, I embrace it to the point of exhaustion, in order to externalize my inner pain.

Free to experiment, I approach abstract imagination in the form of purgatory. Projected, splintered and incised, layers of acrylic paint respond to one another to build a new equilibrium in disorder. This disorder is that of a charge, a disorder, a life to be purified.

- How would you define your interior style? What are your inspirations/influences?

I would define my interior style as a harmonious blend of contemporary minimalism and eclectic artistic touches. I like the space to be uncluttered and neutral, allowing works of art and objects to take on their full dimension. My apartment is designed like a gallery, where each piece tells a story and evokes an emotion. My inspirations are varied. I draw heavily on the aesthetics of modern art galleries and museums, where simplicity and emphasis are paramount. I'm also influenced by Scandinavian design for its functional, uncluttered look.

When it comes to antique pieces, I like to incorporate carefully chosen antiques to add a historical dimension and depth to my interiors. I often find these treasures at Stéphane Cauchies in Le Sablon, whose refined and unique selection matches my aesthetic perfectly.Finally, I'm deeply influenced by my travels and the different cultures I've discovered. Each place I visit brings me a new perspective and a richness that I like to subtly integrate into my interiors. My aim is to create a space where art and design meet, offering a serene yet inspiring setting.

- What's the link between your interior and your art?

I wanted my apartment to be a sanctuary where my works could breathe and be showcased. Just as in my creations, I strive to achieve a delicate balance between chaos and tranquility. My paintings are often vibrant and dynamic, full of movement and intense emotion. In contrast, my interior is uncluttered and minimalist, offering a soothing setting that counterbalances the energy of my art. This allows me to find a certain balance. An important aspect of this symbiosis is that I often need to live with my art pieces for a while before putting them up for sale. This allows me to truly immerse myself in their presence, to understand how they interact with the space and to fully appreciate their emotional impact.

- How important is interior design to you?

Interior design is an essential part of my daily life. Every detail of my space is carefully thought out to create a harmonious and inspiring atmosphere. A well-designed interior directly influences my well-being and creativity. For me, interior design is more than just decoration. It's about creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing living environment that supports and enriches my artistic practice. In short, it's a key element that brings comfort and serenity to my daily life.

- What do you like best about NV GALLERY? What's your favorite piece?

What I like most about NV GALLERY is their ability to combine contemporary elegance and functionality. Their pieces are both aesthetically pleasing and practical, creating spaces that are both beautiful and comfortable. I particularly appreciate their attention to detail and the quality of the materials used. My favorite piece is undoubtedly the VOLTA bouclette bench. Its sleek design and modern lines bring a touch of sophistication to any interior. What's more, it's incredibly comfortable, perfect for relaxing after a long day in the studio.

- Can you tell us a bit more about the history of this apartment and the steps that led to this result?

I bought this apartment in the summer of 2022, literally seduced by the high ceilings and period herringbone parquet flooring that already told a story. My aim was to immerse myself completely in the project. So I drew up all the plans with an architect friend from Brussels, Victoria Thieu. After a few months of intensive renovation, we finally completed the project. The priority for me was to create a space that could accommodate as many works of art as possible, rather like a gallery. I wanted a pure, neutral space, because it's the objects and paintings that I feel bring the apartment to life. My art is often chaotic and vibrant, so I needed an uncluttered refuge where I could find peace and quiet when I got home in the evening.

- What's your typical day like? How do you manage your various activities?

Around 8:00 a.m., I start my day with a cup of coffee, the lifeblood of my daily routine. After that, I try as much as possible to get to the gym; it's a priceless opportunity to be able to train in the morning, when it's still quiet and few people are around. I try to get to my studio by 10:00 am. I've structured my schedule so as to delegate as many tasks as possible to my agent, which allows me to concentrate fully on what's essential: painting.

- Any books, films, addresses, recent discoveries or obsessions you'd like to share with us?

Recently, I was deeply touched by the book "Les sept plumes de l'aigle" by Henri Gougaud. It's a captivating work that blends history, spirituality and ancestral wisdom. The story is an initiatory quest through which the protagonist discovers profound truths about life, nature and himself. This book inspired me and gave me a new perspective, nourishing both my mind and my creativity. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to connect with something greater and explore the mysteries of existence.