It is through his unique treatment of light that artist Piet Bekaert achieves his most remarkable images. His magnificent use of light produces paintings which are pristine, lush and mysterious. "Each object in the universe 'takes the light' in its own unique way. And it is that way in which each thing reflects light that transforms object into subject," asserts Bekaert.

Always fascinated with the "peculiar light of the veiled sun" of his native Belgium, Bekaert captures it in his paintings, transforming his subjects, investing them with significance far beyond their simplicity. Similarly, he uses the subdued mist to create enchanting paintings which are classically graceful and suffused with mystique, as well as a tough, artistic integrity. Bekaert is the recipient of the 1976 West Flanders Painting Award, as well as the 1967 Knokke Award.

BIRTHPLACE: Vichte, Belgium EDUCATION: Académie Julian, Paris, France

Pratt Institute, New York, NY EXHIBITIONS: Vorpal Gallery, New York, NY

De Gryse Gallery, Tielt, Belgium

Brakkegrond, Amsterdam, Holland

Telkamp Gallery, Heidelberg, Germany