Senne Roekens (b. 1995) lives and works in Antwerp. He studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp, where he obtained his master’s degree in Sculpture.
The sculptures by Senne Roekens transmit the feeling of truth of things, something stable and constant which goes through time and remains faithful to its spirit.
Discovering works by Senne Roekens is akin to the experience of traveling both historically and geographically and observing revelation of classical shapes and characters with modern materials and spirit. Some of his sculptures remind archaeological treasures, an object which accumulate both material and spiritual, being changed and reshaped by the flow of time.
The artist plays with different materials and freely moves from classical clay, ceramic, plaster, and metal to the contemporary techniques using plastic, plexiglass, isolation foam, polystyrene, epoxy, acrylic, silicone, and concrete.
The choice of the matter, the initial substance is very important for the artist.
Each work requires its own material which brings the unique character and initial specific perception of each piece.
The appearance of Senne Roekens’s creations turns from semi- transparency and light to the concrete interpreting stone surface, acrylic which can be perceived as a mineral, and so on.
His works vary in scale ranging from small to monumental pieces, often combining into figurative compositions which evoke a sense of tension as if they’ve been shaped by the passage of time, lending them a profound sense of history. He works expressively and physically, ensuring that both the sculpture and the artist himself are always in movement.
“I see myself as an artist who delves into the traditions and history of sculpture and its continuity, exploring how the past intersects with the present. I blend historic and modern materials, combining classical sculpting techniques with contemporary mediums to craft images that feel both ancient and new. By playing with time, space, and cultural influences, I seek to create a world that feels undiscovered and rich with hidden histories. Drawing from sources beyond traditional historical boundaries, my aim is to evoke a sense of mystery and wonder, infusing my sculptures in a timeless and universal way.”
Senne Roekens creates his own mythology with fantastic animals, giants, grotesque personages, crystal castles, and ritual objects. The artist’s world is full of mystery, beauty, and magic.
Selected exhibitions include among others:
“Friend or Foe”, Life is Art Gallery, Antwerp (BE), 2021 (solo); “First Lab’, independent art space, Antwerp (BE), “Collection Show”, Life is Art Gallery, Antwerp (BE), 2024;“Faar & Beyond”, Atelier Faar, Antwerp (BE), 2023; “Life is Art x Jesus Eloy, Casper Fredeus & Senne Roekens”, Life is Art Gallery, Antwerp (BE), 2022; “Hier hebben we veel werk ingestoken”, 252 CC Cultuurhuis, Ekeren (BE) 2020; “BLOOM”, Galerij DAK, Utrecht (NL); “To Be Antwerpen”, Engelen en Volkers, Antwerp (BE), 2019.