Nathalie Vanheule's work subscribes to vast and rich traditions in postmodern art: Belgian symbolism with its romantic élan combined with Scandinavian Utopianism result in the elaboration of a quite singular universe. The artist offers us both pictorial and performance art. Installations, photos, sculptures, drawings and wall paintings are a few of the techniques used in her creations, which are always developed in close relation with the exhibition space. Nathalie Vanheule's works take us far beyond the looking-glass.
By putting to use melodrama and the symbolical restitution of misunderstandings, she stages in her multidisciplinary way the emotions that fascinate her: regression, doubt, aggression, melancholy, the quest for protection.
Drenched in a melancholic mood reminiscent of James Ensor, Böcklin (themes such as isolation, protection, confinement, celebration), Nathalie Vanheule's work is about lost hope and emotional loss.
It unveils our suppressed and hidden desires and brings out our intimate fears into public space.  As expressions and gestures become illusions, childishness turns to nihilism and fear.
Nathalie Vanheule is taking on negations with absence.

(Agnès Violeau, May 2010, translation by Charlotte Steen)