Tom Cech
°Leuven, Belgium (1986)
Raised an only child I had a lot of time on my hands, time I mostly spent reading comic books, playing video games or soccer and questioning the world around me. I rarely read the comics, I looked at the pictures and made up my own version of the story. I became infatuated with the ability of comic book artists to express such distinct emotions using just a few lines. Eventually I tried drawing my own, leaving an endless trail of doodles and crumpled balls of paper in my wake.
I went on to study art in high school, where I developed my drawing and painting skills, thanks to some very patient teachers and a supportive mother. After graduating high school I obtained a bachelor’s degree in teaching arts and ethics, but I always remained productive as an artist. The comic books made place for more serious literature (philosophy, evolution,…), and doodles became actual drawings and paintings.
After teaching for a few years I started working as a job coach, helping people find their way to a meaningful profession. A job I still do today, in combination with my work as an artist. I am not the type of artist who spends all his time in the studio, I like to stay active and lead a varied life. Working with people and traveling the world have always been key for my practice, providing a constant flow of inspiration and insight, and a necessary balance.
I have been working as an artist for more than 10 years now. My portfolio mainly consists of oil paintings, but I occasionally expand into drawings, mixed media and - more recently - murals. I like to zoom in on human emotion and behaviour, a result of the comic books I devoured as a child. As you may notice I tend to be critical of human life, but I always try to find a way to make it look aesthetically pleasing. There is beauty in our shortcomings and - most of all - in confronting them.
Resume
Work
Education
2021: Mural project - Wilsele
2021: 2nd place animal art prize - Brussels
2021: Final selection of Belgicart - Bozar/Sam Dillemans
2020: Solo exhibition @FOD Werk - Brussels
2019: Mural on a highway bridge - Leuven
2019: Exhibition @ Providers St. Louis - Missouri, USA
2016-...: Collection Maison M - Ghent
2015-...: Kunstbak - City Park Leuven
2015- ...: Collection UC Leuven - Leuven
2017: Existenzweek @ De Lijn - Leuven
2016: Exhibition @ El Vino Loco - Haacht
2015: Exhibition @ Gallery Dada - Rotselaar
2015: The Big Draw Leuven - Elsen Kaasambacht
2015: VeelZIJdig - Leuven
2014: Cabin Art - Koksijde
2014: Miradal Expo - Oud-Heverlee
2014: Art In The Village - Oud-Heverlee
2014: 2nd Solo Exhibition - Leuven
2010, 2012, 2014: Art auction B!NK Foundation - Amsterdam
2012: 1st Solo Exhibition - Brussels
2010, 2012: Canvascollection - Ghent/Leuven
2018: Painting - SLAC Leuven
2006-2009: Bachelor Teaching Art and Ethics - UCL Leuven
1999-2004: Visual Arts - Heilig Hart Heverlee
