Expo ‘Boudry – a family of artists’
This summer discover the exhibition “Boudry, a family of artists,” curated by Royal Heemkring Aan de Schreve.
In the historical setting of ‘t Klooster (Benedictine Sisters), the exhibition outlines the oeuvre of the Poperinge artist family Boudry.
In Poperinge and well beyond, Nele Boudry (b. 1961) is still well known. Her most famous works? The Ginger sculpture on the Poperinge market square and the sculpture Quinten in Dranouter. Nele currently lives in Caunes-Minervois (Haut Languedoc) between Toulouse and Montpellier. She was a teacher in the Poperinge Art Academy for many years, but retired in order to live full time as an artist. Her many paintings are increasingly finding an international audience.
Nele is heiress to a whole family of artists. Her father was the well-known photographer and painter Paul Boudry (1925-2001). He painted many country houses and numerous chapels in the area and was a famous and widely known figure in the Westhoek. In turn, the work of grandfather Jules Boudry (1888-1951) can still be found in many houses in Poperinge and far beyond. Jules Boudry was a prolific painter and produced many portraits (including Montgomery), painted historic buildings and church interiors, as well as numerous still lifes, often with dahlias.
Jules Boudry’s uncle is Aloïs Boudry (1851-1938). This painter achieved national recognition with very realistic portraits of fishermen. His work can be found in the Navigo in Oostduinkerke and in several museums in Flanders.
In addition, the Boudry family has numerous artists in its various branches. Worth mentioning are Robert Boudry (Antwerp cityscapes), Pol Boudry (portraits), Helena Boudry, Daniel Boudry, grandfather of philosopher Maarten Boudry (ceramics), Chantal De Craemer (animal paintings), Katrien Boudry, Marleen Boudry, Trees Boudry, Grietkin Deroo (podcast maker), …
Local history society ‘Aan de Schreve’ found no less than 500 works by Jules Boudry, about 100 by Paul and more than 200 by Nele Boudry. Three photo opportunities were organized for owners to have their work professionally photographed. More than 100 proud owners from all over the country made their way to the Talbot House in Poperinge. Curator Lidewij Deroo, Architect and daughter of Nele Boudry, is responsible for the concept of the exhibition and the selection of the works.
In addition to the exhibition, Aan de Schreve is also publishing an art book displaying a selection from the Boudry family’s broad body of work. A larger selection will also remain available later at www.erfgoedplus.be.
The vernissage of the exhibition will take place on Thursday, July 4, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. in the Chapel of the Benedictine Sisters, followed by the book presentation at 8 p.m. in the Chapel Lebbe, Peperstraat in Poperinge.
The exhibition is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in July and August, ending on September 1, each time from 10 am to 5 pm.
The book ‘Boudry, a family of artists’ can be ordered at info@aandeschreve.be