Michely Bossuyt León, born in Bolivia in 2002 and having lived in various places, Michely Bossuyt León, who resides and works in Brussels, is known for a refined and technical practice that encompasses painting, works on paper, intaglio printmaking, writing, collaborative projects and curation. Taken as a whole, his work reflects a sustained attention to active research through the layers of living worlds, inner memories, and the physical and sensitive traces of the past.
Technique and Style:
His approach to India ink is based on a game of delicate interactions. He moistens his paper and, with a brush, lets the ink seep into it, guided by the speed of his gestures. Speed is a crucial factor, as it influences the spread of the ink—just like air temperature or even invisible wind currents. The wet paper then becomes a malleable surface, subject to forces he cannot fully control: gravity, folds, curves. It is a dialogue between the tool, the unpredictable, and chance.
His observational drawings follow a method used by Rembrandt: the subject is placed in an entirely dark room, and the only source of light illuminating both the subject and my sheet of paper is a candle. This method requires a certain time of visual adaptation. On his paper blackened with black stone, he seeks out the light using fine erasers. This technique is referred to as “negative”.
Engraving is a practice that allows him to explore other paths. He uses copper plates and objects found in flea markets. On the copper surface, he delves into techniques such as mezzotint and etching, and the use of tools also comes into play to explore this medium through its unique plasticity.
Education:
ARBA - ESA, Royal Academy of Fine Arts – Higher School of the Arts, Brussels
Field: Printmaking • 2020 - 2025
ARBA, Royal Academy of Fine Arts – Artistic Secondary Education, Brussels
Option: Arts • 2018 - 2020
IPES, Provincial Institute of Secondary Education, Wavre
Option: Arts • 2014 - 2018
Lycée Martin V, Louvain-la-Neuve
Option: Arts
EXHIBITIONS:
2025: Group exhibition “Common Ground”, Wet ground, BE, Schaerbeek (curation).
2025: Group exhibition “Retour aux Sources”, Usine Utopik, FR, Normandy.
2024: Group exhibition “Morsure”, Sterput, BE, Brussels.
2024: Solo show “Feu sacré”, Espace 001, BE, Louvain-la-Neuve.
2024: LEAF, ARBA ESA Printmaking Department, BE, Boghossian Foundation.
2024: Group exhibition “Fougèreke”, 14-16 Rue Prosper Matthys, Forest (curation).
2023: Group exhibition “Sans titre”, 34 rue Pépin, BE, Namur (curation).
2021: Group exhibition “RE-GÉNÉRATION”, L’Arbre Qui Pousse, BE, Ottignies (curation).
2020: Group exhibition “Cinq Univers”, Forum des Halles, BE, Louvain-la-Neuve.
RESIDENCIES:
2025: Fonds Félicien Rops – Château de Thozée, ARBA ESA Printmaking Department, BE, Mettet.
