Visual artist Ingrid Van der Heyden, fellow Belgian BCT Member,

Over the past few years Ingrid Van Der Heyden, resident in Thailand since 1999, was exposed to a variety of influences while moving around countries in Asia. China has made a big impression and is present in her work in choice of subjects and colors. Chi (or Qi) is common knowledge in China but known under different names in other countries, such as prana, basis for yoga, in India. Nature and “waste” are universal subjects and moved her. They are being dealt with in different ways around the world or even being ignored.

Ingrid incorporate “found” material in her work, natural or man-made, lost or wasted, whatever the sea brings after a short or long journey. This material had a past, which is forgotten, it has started a life on its own, but has no soul, no purpose in life. These objects inspired Ingrid and usually immediately give an image when she pick them up and look at them, so to be the first stone of a newborn artwork. From the moment she see this object as part of an image she sense the presence of “Chi”, a force that gives new life to “dead” material.

Participated in many group exhibitions and contemporary art projects 1999 - Move to Thailand, set up art group, organize group exhibition 2000 - Move to China (Shanghai), study Traditional Chinese Painting with Mr.Gao Xingkui, first rank artist, obtaining degree master 3rd level 2003 – Return to Thailand – set up Artist Collective and art group – Teaching traditional Chinese painting 2005 – “Art Raising Thoughts” Group exhibition to raise art awareness in Pattaya, Royal Garden Plaza 2005 – First solo exhibition “Chi, Breath of life” at Gallery Opium, Pattaya, from November 12th till November 27th 2006 - Exhibition “Zen Living” – Four Seasons Installation with Japanese Calligraphy – July 15th Hesling House, Sattahip as Installation Artist Permanent work displayed in Sheraton, Pattaya 2006 – Group exhibition “6th Art of Eastern Region” by Paeng Tawan Group – Liam’s Gallery, Pattaya, from November 5th till November 24th 2006 – Group exhibition “Pictures at an Exhibition” at Gallery Opium, Pattaya, November 18th till December 2nd For more information of Ingrid'Van der Heyden's Artwork