Stief Desmet (1973) is one of the new names in the Belgian art world. His unusual painting technique sets him apart from the many followers of artists such as Luc Tuymans and Michaël Borremans. He has developed his own visual language and his own alphabet, in which he draws on all the resources available to him. Painting is just one of the disciplines he practices; he also creates installations and sculptures, and is renowned for his videos. Desmet questions his own position as a contemporary artist alongside the "golden river" landscape painters (Leieschilders) from his youth, who immortalised the landscape in their pastoral works. Typical characteristics of his work include its escapist nature, in which the artist withdraws into nature, and the humour that is evident in many of his works.

Text in English and Dutch.