Gommaar Gilliams

"Multifaceted is how I would describe the process. Just from initially seeing the work you can tell there’s many layers to it. From the stitching of the fabrics to the oil paint and oil sticks, it’s a massive balancing act, and things need to be done in a certain way."
- Gommaar Gilliams

Belgian artist Gommaar Gilliams, born in 1982 in Lier, invites viewers into a richly textured world where abstraction meets symbolism in a vibrant dance of color and form. A graduate of LUCA School of Arts in Brussels and PXL College in Hasselt, Gilliams blends the fervor of American Abstract Expressionism with the layered meanings of Middle Eastern and European symbolism, creating works that resonate on both personal and universal levels.

Gilliams' paintings are a journey through emotion and memory, capturing the essence of human longing and nostalgia. His recent exhibitions, such as "Always Been Told" (2020) and "If You Were Dreaming" (2021), continue to explore these themes, with compositions that oscillate between abstraction and representation. The artist’s distinctive approach involves a fresco-like layering process: starting with acrylic dyes that saturate fabric, he then adds oil paints and sticks to build a dynamic surface where colors interact and narratives unfold.

With motifs ranging from celestial elements and mythic figures to animals in whimsical motion, Gilliams' work invites viewers into lush, dreamlike spaces. His figures, often gazing at the moon or traversing fantastical landscapes, serve as archetypes reflecting universal stories and timeless human experiences.

"I think I want people to understand this collective language we all share. I’m not much of a speaker, and I can’t really articulate myself. But what I can’t express vocally, I can express it visually and through the paintings because that’s my language. I think with the work I have created, you will feel this sense of longing and connection, and also this duality. The works have this indescribable presence which can’t be summarised into words, but at the same time instil you with this nostalgic feeling. So, I want people to engage with the work: you can laugh with the work, cry with the work, but above all, feel this universal connection because as humans we have always used images to connect with each other." 
— Gommaar Gilliams

Gilliams sees his art as a bridge connecting past, present, and future—a continuum of intertextuality and exploration. His process is not merely technical but deeply philosophical, considering painting as an ongoing, living dialogue between history and innovation. As he puts it, “My work builds upon itself. It’s a matter of intertextuality... Painting is a 24/7 thing. It’s a way of living.”

Gilliams’ art is a testament to the power of painting to evoke shared memories and emotions, creating a space where viewers can connect with their own “half-remembered” dreams and stories. His commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new dimensions in his work ensures that each piece is not only a visual experience but a profound journey through the realms of human consciousness and artistic heritage.