Guillaume Bijl
Belgian, b. 1946
Guillaume Bijl is a self-taught artist. He initially trained in theater and worked as a stage builder and painter before abandoning painting in the late 1970s to create tragi-comedic installations, sculptures, and compositions inspired by the banality of consumer-driven society.
By transforming everyday spaces—such as stores, gyms, dog groomers, and tourist sites—into immersive art installations, Bijl confronts audiences with the structures and institutions shaping their identities. His work highlights society’s passive acceptance of artificial realities, blurring the boundary between art and life.
In his compositions, he assembles found kitsch and cheap objects, presenting them as if they were relics of contemporary culture—preserved as priceless treasures. This approach underscores the absurd attachment people have to material possessions.
Blending sharp criticism with humor, Bijl’s work delivers an unmistakable and thought-provoking commentary on modern life.
Submitted by Keteleer Gallery


