For 4 weeks, Galerie Jos Depypere had the honor of celebrating the 80th birthday of Pjeroo Roobjee with a retrospective exhibition which ran from March 15 until April 6 2025. This exhibition offered visitors a unique opportunity to admire works from the 1960s until now.
This year, we celebrate the 80th birthday of Pjeroo Roobjee, one of Belgium’s most influential contemporary artists. Roobjee’s work is recognized for its bold exploration of the human condition, identity, history, and social issues. His innovative approach to art has led to a career filled with groundbreaking exhibitions, including his prominent representation of Belgium at the Venice and São Paulo Biennales, which cemented his place on the international stage.
His innovative approach to art has led to a career filled with groundbreaking exhibitions, including his prominent representation of Belgium at the Venice and São Paulo Biennales
Born Dirk De Vilder in Ghent in 1945, Roobjee embarked on his artistic journey early, attending the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Ghent and the Rijksakademie in Amsterdam. His multifaceted career spans painting, graphic art, and literature, reflecting his wide-ranging creative interests.
Over the years, he has created a body of work that challenges conventional norms, blending humor, aggression, and deep intellectual engagement. Roobjee’s art is known for its provocative themes and deliberate use of color.
Roobjee’s participation in the São Paulo Biennale in 1971, alongside fellow Belgian artists Raoul De Keyser and Roger Raveel, was a defining moment in his career. The São Paulo Biennale is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious art events, and Roobjee’s inclusion was a testament to Belgium’s growing influence on the international art scene.
His works at these biennales were both complex and accessible, drawing on Belgium’s cultural heritage
Through his career, Roobjee has never shied away from exploring controversial and complex topics, often blending abstract forms with symbolic imagery to create pieces that are both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. His work challenges viewers to confront difficult questions about society, memory, and identity.
In celebration of his 80th birthday, a retrospective exhibition will showcase the evolution of Roobjee’s work, featuring pieces from his early career through to his more recent explorations.
This exhibition will offer visitors an opportunity to experience the full range of his artistic development, from his early works displayed at the Venice and São Paulo Biennales to his more experimental pieces that reflect his continued engagement with the complexities of the modern world. The exhibition will also highlight his impact on Belgian culture, with works housed in museums across Belgium, including those in Ostend and Deinze.
Pjeroo Roobjee’s legacy is one of intellectual curiosity, artistic innovation, and a fearless commitment to addressing the pressing issues of his time. His influence extends beyond the borders of Belgium, with his works being celebrated worldwide. As we honor his 80 years, this retrospective offers a chance to reflect on his lasting contribution.
